It’s no secret that sleep apnea can have a devastating impact on your health. When left untreated, it can put you at a higher risk for heart problems and other kinds of health issues. But did you know that it could also cause you to age faster than normal? Below is a closer look at the relationship between sleep apnea and aging, as well as what you can do to address the problem.
What Does It Mean When You Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea causes pauses in your breathing while you’re asleep. Said pauses can occur up to 30 times in just one hour, and each one can disrupt the sleep cycle, leaving you unable to get the quality rest that your body needs. Many people with sleep apnea are unusually drowsy during their waking hours, and they may find it more difficult to focus in general.
How is Sleep Apnea Connected to Aging?
Sleep apnea can have an impact on your biological age, which is based on how well your body is functioning relative to how long you’ve been alive. In particular, researchers have found that people with obstructive sleep apnea (the most common form of sleep apnea) often show signs of accelerated biological aging. Further studies are needed to fully understand this relationship.
What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea and Accelerated Aging?
If sleep apnea is causing you to age faster than normal, the best thing to do is to seek professional treatment. A study performed in 2022 found evidence that taking steps to address sleep-disordered breathing could at least partially reverse the effects of accelerated aging, which is beneficial for your overall health in the long run.
Traditionally, sleep apnea is treated with a CPAP machine. This device is connected to a special mask that is meant to be placed over your nose while you sleep. A constant stream of air is delivered through the mask, which helps keep the airway open.
While CPAP machines are highly reliable, some patients find them too noisy or uncomfortable. In these cases, an oral appliance can be a suitable alternative. The main function of an oral appliance is to move the lower jaw slightly forward. This small change can go a long way toward keeping the airway clear throughout the night.
In short, sleep apnea could be speeding up your biological aging process, but you can protect your long-term health by getting the treatment you need as promptly as possible.
About the Practice
At SleepMed Solutions, our experts offer patients fully customized solutions for sleep-disordered breathing. We’ve helped many individuals enjoy more restful nights again with CPAP treatment as well as oral appliance treatment. We’ll always consider your situation carefully before we point you toward the treatment option that’s right for you. If you think you might have sleep apnea, you can schedule an appointment at our office in Greensboro by visiting our website or calling (336) 907-7773.