{"id":258,"date":"2025-09-10T18:07:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T18:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.granddentallockport.com\/blog\/?p=258"},"modified":"2025-10-02T18:43:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T18:43:02","slug":"sleep-apnea-can-it-cause-you-to-age-faster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.granddentallockport.com\/blog\/2025\/09\/10\/sleep-apnea-can-it-cause-you-to-age-faster\/","title":{"rendered":"Accelerated Aging: Is Sleep Apnea to Blame?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sleep apnea<\/a> is often to blame for many problems, including drowsy driving, irritability, forgetfulness, loud snoring, and extreme fatigue. Yet, these are just a few of the many signs that indicate a more serious issue \u2013 one that can lead to negative changes and occurrences throughout the body. Since the inability to get proper rest can keep a person from being more active, one question many ask is whether sleep apnea can accelerate aging. The only way to find out is to learn how this happens and what you can do to reverse it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fast-Forwarding Your Age: The Role of Sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, who studied the effects of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the biological aging process, they determined that appropriate treatment may slow or reverse \u201cage acceleration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there are environmental factors that can speed up a person\u2019s biological age (i.e., unhealthy diets, smoking or using tobacco, air pollution, etc.), OSA can also be a culprit. The reason is that frequent interruptions while asleep cause lower oxygen levels, which can play a role in the aging process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when seeking treatment for OSA, the results can be promising. Among the 16 adult nonsmokers who had OSA, regular use of a CPAP device led to a decline in epigenetic age \u2013 a situation that occurs when a person\u2019s biological age exceeds their chronological age based on DNA blood testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Seeing a Sleep Dentist Help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, if you believe you might have sleep apnea, you should not wait to see a professional about treatment. If you notice any of the following symptoms (or someone in your home tells you), schedule an appointment sooner rather than later:<\/p>\n\n\n\n