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While the running joke may be that having kids will cause you to age faster, the reality is that certain health conditions can cause your biological age to be higher or lower than your chronological (calendar) age if left untreated. Researchers have discovered that sleep apnea is a culprit that causes what is known as epigenetic age acceleration. To learn more about their research as well as what signs you should be looking for that might indicate a problem, read on.
Sleep Apnea and Aging: What Researchers Are Saying
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a 2019 study on the topic of sleep-disordered breathing and its link to fasting aging. Researchers discovered how problems like sleep apnea and its frequent interruptions are causing what is referred to as “epigenetic age acceleration,” which is related to the biological function of a person’s body.
The study itself included 622 individuals whose mean age was 69. More than 53% of the group were women. After analyzing their blood DNA and sleep patterns at home using a specialized device, it was discovered that those with sleep-disordered breathing had cells that were deemed older than their calendar age (chronological). Using an apnea-hypopnea index, which is a point system to determine how many times a person ceases breathing throughout the night), it was believed that 215 days of enhanced aging occurred in their cells while those with OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) had 321 days of accelerated aging.
The reason this is vital to better understanding how sleep apnea affects people is that the faster a person’s cells age, the greater the risk for serious health conditions and disease. These can include heart disease, cognitive decline (i.e., dementia, Alzheimer’s), cancer, and more.
The good news is that the epigenetic age is reversible, and sleep apnea is treatable, so with the right changes and treatment, a person can essentially turn back the clock and enjoy a healthier life.
Sleep Apnea Signs to Watch For
Of course, the only way to know if you have a problem is to undergo a sleep test. Most people won’t randomly have one performed unless they begin to notice symptoms. If you live alone, it can be difficult knowing if you have difficulty sleeping or breathing at night; however, there are many other ways to tell if you may be living with OSA or another common form of sleep apnea, such as:
- Chronic snoring that is loud and bothersome to others
- Grinding teeth (bruxism)
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty focusing and remembering things
- Moodiness and irritability
- Low libido
- Gasping for air throughout the night
- Frequent morning headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
Being able to identify your symptoms early on will help you to receive the treatment you need before you begin to experience the more advanced and serious side of apnea.
The inability to breathe and achieve adequate rest can leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated, and hopeless. However, with the help of a sleep dentist in Powell, you can get the care you need and start living a more well-rested, healthier life.
About the Author
Dr. Shelley Shults is the lead sleep dentist at Powell Dental Sleep Solutions. She and her team work hard to help patients get the rest they need to start living healthier, happier lives. If you’re struggling to understand why you’re continually waking each night or appear chronically fatigued each day, contact us at (614) 396-9310, and let us help you take the next step toward better sleep.