The average life expectancy in the U.S. is about 77 and a half years. But many people continue to thrive well into their 80s or 90s. No doubt, you wish to enjoy life for as long as possible! Sadly, though, untreated sleep apnea might shorten your lifespan. In this blog post, you will learn how timely treatment can support your health and potentially help you stick around for as long as possible.
How Sleep Apnea Could Shorten Your Life
Sleep apnea is far more than just loud snoring or brief pauses in breathing throughout the night. It is a serious medical condition that can have profound effects on your overall health and life expectancy. When your airway becomes blocked during sleep, your body and brain are deprived of oxygen for repeated intervals. Over time, these interruptions in oxygen supply can lead to a host of dangerous complications.
Here are several ways in which untreated sleep apnea may undermine your longevity:
- Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Untreated sleep apnea can raise your blood pressure and place undue strain on your heart. This can increase your risk for heart attacks, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Weakened Immune Function: Sleep apnea disrupts the restorative aspects of sleep, making it harder for your immune system to fight off illness.
- Higher Likelihood of Type 2 Diabetes: Poor sleep affects your body’s ability to regulate glucose, raising the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
- Daytime Fatigue and Accidents: Because your sleep is repeatedly interrupted, you are more likely to be tired during the day, which raises the risk of accidents.
- Cognitive Decline: Chronic sleep deprivation associated with sleep apnea may accelerate memory loss and other cognitive issues as you age.
Treatment Supports Longevity
Timely and consistent treatment for sleep apnea can help you avoid many of the dangerous complications associated with the condition. Here are some common options:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This device uses gentle air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep. While CPAP is very effective, some patients find it difficult to tolerate.
- Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted dental devices can help reposition your jaw or tongue to keep your airway unobstructed during sleep. This option is generally better tolerated than CPAP therapy.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed can reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
- Surgical Options: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue or correct anatomical issues that contribute to airway obstruction.
Research consistently shows that treating sleep apnea lowers your risk of serious health problems. Many patients report feeling more energized, mentally sharper, and healthier overall after beginning treatment.
Steps to Take for a Longer Life
If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea — or if you have already been diagnosed — the following steps may help you enjoy a longer, healthier life:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Speak to your doctor or a sleep specialist if you notice symptoms such as loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, or extreme daytime fatigue.
- Complete a Sleep Study: Undergoing a sleep study can confirm whether you have sleep apnea and help determine its severity.
- Commit to Treatment: Once you begin treatment, follow your care plan diligently. You should use your oral appliance or CPAP machine every time you sleep.
Sleep apnea can rob you of sleep, damage your health, and possibly even shorten your life! It is worth every effort to keep this condition under control.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Louis Olberding is a highly accomplished dentist and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He and our team provide oral appliance therapy for individuals with sleep apnea. If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, we can guide you on your next steps. Contact our Lincoln, NE, office at 402-488-2235.