The effects of sleep apnea are widespread, affecting more than just your mood, driving ability, mental capacity, and daily function. It also causes fluctuations throughout the brain and body that, left untreated, can take a toll on your overall health. What you may not realize is that there is a third problem that can occur – accelerated aging. Read on to discover what researchers have found regarding the speeding up of the biological aging process and what you can do to reverse it.
Aging Faster While Trying to Sleep: Why It’s Happening
According to researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, those living with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to experience accelerated biological aging.
After spending one year studying 16 nonsmoking adults with OSA and 8 control subjects without OSA, their goal was to determine whether the sleep condition impacted epigenetic age acceleration. The result was that those with OSA experienced low oxygen levels and sleep disruptions that are commonly attributed to faster aging.
Through blood tests and CPAP treatment for those with OSA, researchers found that consistent treatment usage led to a partial reversal of age acceleration over one year.
What Symptoms Indicate OSA?
You may not know if you have OSA, especially if you live alone; however, if you can identify the signs early on, you’re more likely to get the help you need before it becomes a serious problem. If you’re unsure whether you have sleep apnea, consider whether you:
- Experience daily chronic fatigue
- Struggle to complete work on time
- Have a frequently dry mouth or sore throat
- Experience insomnia
- Experience drowsy driving regularly
- Wake up throughout the night choking or gasping for air
- Struggle to remember things
- Feel irritable
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
Researchers may have used CPAP therapy to treat those with OSA during their study, but there is another option many patients find more comfortable and user-friendly – oral appliance treatment.
Designed for easier use and portability, these oral devices are made to fit each person’s mouth so that the airway stays open while asleep. Based on your specific needs, the appliance will push the jaw forward just enough to prevent any oral tissues from collapsing onto your airway.
When used correctly and consistently, this treatment option can produce reliable, lasting results.
Treating sleep apnea not only allows you to get the rest you need but also helps you recapture lost time so that you can fully embrace a longer and better quality of life.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our dentists are committed to helping patients suffering from sleep apnea. Trained to administer appropriate treatment options, like oral appliance therapy, we walk alongside each patient to ensure they experience the positive benefits of achieving better rest. If you want to wake up feeling refreshed and free of nightly interruptions, visit our website or call (847) 860-7093 to find out what options are available.