What is the primary purpose of delivering medical oxygen?

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Delivering medical oxygen primarily serves the purpose of treating oxygen deficiency in patients. When an individual is unable to breathe adequately or is in a state of hypoxia, which is a condition where the body doesn't get enough oxygen, providing supplemental oxygen is crucial to improve their oxygen saturation levels. This is vital for maintaining cellular function and preventing further complications related to low oxygen levels, such as organ failure or brain damage.

Oxygen therapy is used in various medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma attacks, or during emergencies such as heart attacks and respiratory distress. By increasing the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream, medical oxygen helps stabilize the patient's condition and supports recovery.

The other options focus on aspects that are not primary medical uses of oxygen. While increasing physical performance or supporting sleep might be secondary benefits under certain circumstances or contexts, they do not capture the essential medical necessity of oxygen in treating life-threatening situations involving oxygen deficiency.