Do you snore loudly or wake up feeling tired and irritable, despite getting a full night’s sleep? If so, you may have sleep apnea. While it might seem like just an inconvenience, untreated sleep apnea can have serious effects on your overall health, including speeding up the aging process. A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) revealed that leaving sleep apnea untreated may cause epigenetic age acceleration. In other words, sleep apnea could make you age faster than your actual years. Continue reading to learn how this happens and why seeking treatment is crucial.
Can Sleep Apnea Cause Faster Aging?
According to the 2019 AASM study, severe sleep apnea has been linked to epigenetic age acceleration. This type of aging refers to changes in the way your DNA is regulated, specifically through a process called DNA methylation. Even if your chronological age is, for example, 40, untreated sleep apnea could cause your body to function as if it’s older. This accelerated aging can impact your health and quality of life in numerous ways, making it essential to address sleep apnea early.
The Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea not only affects how old you feel but also puts your health at risk in various ways. The condition causes repeated interruptions in your breathing throughout the night, which can strain your body and lead to a range of health problems, including:
- Mental health issues, such as memory loss, depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating
- Weakened immune system, impairing your body’s ability to fight off infections and making you more vulnerable to illnesses
- Higher risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and other cardiovascular issues
- Increased blood glucose levels, which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes
- Lower oxygen levels, causing your heart and other organs to strain over time
Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
Most cases of sleep apnea often go undiagnosed. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you get the treatment you need before the condition worsens. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Loud snoring, often loud enough to disrupt others
- Feeling excessively sleepy or fatigued during the day, even after a full night’s sleep
- Waking up frequently at night, sometimes gasping for air or coughing
- Mood swings, irritability, or sudden changes in behavior
- Frequent headaches, especially upon waking up
Fortunately, the effects of accelerated aging due to sleep apnea are reversible. Addressing the condition early with proper treatment can improve your sleep, overall health, and even make you feel younger. So, don’t wait to seek treatment! Not only can it improve your sleep, but it can also slow down the aging process and protect your long-term health.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Rodgers is a sleep expert near Dunwoody with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in using oral appliance therapy to improve sleep. If you or a loved one have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. Book your appointment via our website or call (770) 394-4310 to learn more about effective treatment options.