Until someone discovers the Fountain of Youth, you can’t stop the aging process. Although you can’t pause the clock, there are several things you can do to slow down aging. Besides eating healthy and exercising regularly, quality sleep is equally important. It allows your body to rebuild and regenerate to support your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, a good night’s rest isn’t easy if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you have the breathing disorder, sleepless nights aren’t the only concern. Believe it or not, sleep apnea can take years off your life.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea affects at least 18 million adults; however, up to 80% of people don’t know they have it. The sleep disorder causes frequent breathing interruptions throughout the night from a narrowed airway. As the muscles in the back of your mouth relax, the soft tissues can create an obstruction.
Each pause in breathing disrupts your sleep cycle, decreasing your body’s ability to recover. Not to mention, each event depletes your body of oxygen. Over time, this can cause irreversible damage. You’ll develop an increased risk of several serious health issues, like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Research has also found connections between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and sleep deprivation. Each of these conditions is known to shorten life expectancy.
Sleep Apnea and Accelerated Aging
Chronic illness isn’t the only concern of untreated sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently published findings on epidemic age acceleration caused by sleep-disordered breathing. Results of their study found you can be at risk of a shorter lifespan if your biological age is higher than your true age.
Turn Back the Clock with Oral Appliance Therapy
Although you can’t freeze time, you can avoid premature aging with sleep apnea therapy. A CPAP is the most traditional method of treating the condition; however, many people are choosing an effective alternative.
Oral appliance therapy is gaining popularity because it’s simple and convenient. A custom-made device repositions your lower jaw and tongue to prevent them from blocking the airway. When used regularly, it can reduce interruptions in breathing by up to 90% without having to worry about hoses and wires.
Besides treating your sleep apnea, it’s important to promote your sleep quality. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of rest to feel their best. Establish a set time to wake up and go to bed in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
With healthy sleep habits and oral appliance therapy, you can preserve your youth to look and feel your best for many years to come.
About Dr. David J. Drummond
Dr. Drummond earned his dental degree from the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago and has completed advanced training in many specialties, including extractions, endodontics, and sleep medicine. He has the skills and qualifications to create the individualized oral appliance you need to breathe better. Contact our office today to request your consultation for sleep apnea therapy.