Youth is associated with health, vitality, and beauty. Because it is viewed as a desirable trait, many people make all sorts of efforts to stay young. For example, they may get plenty of exercise, eat a nutritious diet, and take good care of their skin. But there is another factor that can affect how quickly you age — the quality of your sleep. In fact, there is research to indicate that the poor-quality sleep associated with sleep apnea may make you age faster! This blog post explores that connection and discusses how you might be able to turn back the clock.
Disordered Breathing and Biological Age
In order to better appreciate how sleep apnea can affect the aging process, it is helpful to first understand an important distinction between two different types of aging:
- Chronological age simply refers to the number of years you have been alive, starting from your birth. This is a fixed measure that increases with each passing year.
- Biological age describes how well your body and genes are functioning compared to what is expected based on your chronological age. Biological age is not set in stone—it is influenced by many factors, such as lifestyle choices, environment, and more. In other words, you might be 50 years old according to the calendar, but your body could function more like someone much younger or older.
A 2019 study examined data from over 600 participants and found that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) can speed up biological aging. The more severe the SDB, the greater the impact on aging. Another study from 2022 similarly found that poor sleep affects biological aging.
Dr. Xiaoyu Li, the lead author of the 2019 study, made this important observation: “Our data highlight the potential for sleep-disordered breathing treatment to improve age-related chronic conditions and longevity.” Yes, enhancing the quality of your sleep might slow down, potentially even reverse, the biological aging process!
How Well Are You Sleeping?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most prevalent types of SDB. It affects millions of people! Here are some indications that you might be affected by it:
- Chronic, loud snoring that disrupts your nights or bothers your partner.
- Pauses in breathing during sleep, as observed by your partner or family members.
- Waking up abruptly, sometimes gasping for air.
- Recurring headaches or sore throat in the morning.
- Feeling tired and sluggish throughout the day.
- Mood swings and increased irritability.
- Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom.
What should you do if you believe you are a victim of OSA? The key is to seek timely treatment.
Turn Back the Clock with Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, consult a professional who can help you arrange for testing. After you receive an OSA diagnosis, you can start to learn about treatment options. Many people find that a custom oral appliance from a dentist is a convenient and effective way to manage their condition. As a result of consistently using their device, they feel much healthier and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Sleep apnea can speed up the aging process! Do all you can to breathe well at night so you can hold onto your youth for as long as possible.
Meet the Practice
At Four Town Dental, our team of experts is pleased to offer sleep apnea treatment in the form of oral appliance therapy. If you have concerns about the quality of your sleep, or you want to find out if you are a candidate for an oral appliance, we can evaluate your case and recommend your next steps. To learn more or to request a consultation, contact our Enfield office at 860-856-6928.