It’s pretty safe to say that nobody wants to appear older than they really are. In fact, each year, people spend billions of dollars to look and feel younger than their years. In 2023 alone, the global antiaging market was worth $55.8 billion dollars. But none of those lotions, potions, and treatments will do any good if you’re aging yourself by poor breathing due to sleep apnea. Here’s how this disorder can accelerate the biological aging process, and what you can do about it.
How OSA Ages You
In a recent study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine, researchers found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) induced sleep disruptions combined with reduced oxygen levels during sleep promoted faster biological aging. Known as epigenetic age acceleration, this occurs when your biological age surpasses your chronological age.
Preventing Premature Aging
Despite the grim findings, the good news is that the study also found that when the patients who experienced epigenetic age acceleration received OSA treatment, they were able to successfully slow the aging process and partially reverse some of the associated symptoms.
Recognizing OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in approximately 30 million people in the United States alone, but it can often be tricky to diagnose. Symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air or choking during sleep
- Pauses in breathing (known as apneas)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- High blood pressure
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Morning headaches
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor about undergoing a sleep test. This type of evaluation is the best way to determine if you are suffering from a sleep disorder and can help put you on the right path to treatment.
Remember, OSA can increase your epigenetic age by depriving you of oxygen while you sleep. To reverse your epigenetic age and stop rapid acceleration, speak to your doctor about treating your OSA today!
About Our Practice
At SleepMed Solutions, our team of doctors wants to help you get a good night’s sleep. We are proud to provide a variety of treatment options to help you overcome the dangerous effects of sleep apnea, including CPAP, oral appliance therapy, or a combination of both. To schedule a consultation or sleep study, please visit our website or call us today at 336-907-7773.