What are the consequences of sleep apnea? Many people likely think of the loud snoring it causes or the way it can leave you feeling tired or depressed during the day. However, in the long term, the disorder could also significantly reduce your lifespan. The good news is that this isn’t inevitable; having your sleep apnea treated promptly can improve your chances of living a longer life. Here’s what you need to know about the link between sleep apnea and life expectancy.
How Can Sleep Apnea Shorten Your Life?
People with sleep apnea can have their breathing interrupted dozens or even hundreds of times in a single night. In response, your brain will release stress hormones, increasing your heart rate and causing your blood pressure to rise. The effect that sleep apnea has on your cardiovascular system can eventually lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other issues that can put your life in danger.
Additionally, people with sleep apnea tend to have a harder time concentrating, and they’re often more likely to nod off. These symptoms can easily lead to accidents while driving.
One other thing to be aware of is that sleep apnea has been shown to accelerate the biological aging process. This is due to the lower oxygen levels that you experience as a result of sleep apnea episodes. When your biological age is greater than your chronological age, you’ll be at a greater risk for several health issues.
How Can Having Sleep Apnea Treated Improve Your Lifespan?
Luckily, the negative effects that sleep apnea has on your life expectancy can be reversed if you have the right kind of treatment performed. Getting your sleep disorder under control can significantly reduce the chances of it leading to a life-threatening health problem. Additionally, studies have shown that having sleep apnea treated can slow down the effect it has on the biological aging process.
What Treatments are Available for Sleep Apnea?
The most well-known treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. But while CPAP is effective, many people stop using it after a while due to finding it too uncomfortable. Sleep dentists can offer oral appliances as an alternative. An oral appliance works by adjusting the jaw slightly to help maintain an unobstructed airway.
It’s important to get in touch with a sleep expert as soon as you can if you think you might have sleep apnea. Delaying care can have dire consequences for your body, so it’s important not to lose any time in getting the treatment you need for more restful slumber.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto is a Baytown native. He started his practice after graduating from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. He is currently a proud member of various organizations such as the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutto at Sleep Better Baytown, visit his website or call (281) 422-8249.