When it comes to health and longevity, some habits and lifestyle choices can go a long way toward helping you thrive for many years. Good nutrition and regular physical activity are just two keys to a longer life. But getting enough sleep also fits into that category! If you are not getting adequate rest due to sleep apnea, pursuing timely treatment could play a major role in helping you to live for as long as possible. This blog post discusses why that is the case.
How Untreated Sleep Apnea Could Shorten Your Life
You might not realize how deeply sleep apnea can affect your overall health. The repeated pauses in breathing, combined with poor sleep quality, can have some pretty devastating consequences:
- High blood pressure often develops due to repeated drops in oxygen. This can contribute to stroke and heart attack risk.
- Heart disease becomes more likely, including irregular heart rhythms and heart failure.
- Type 2 diabetes risk rises, since poor sleep affects glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
- Obesity can worsen because sleep disturbances influence hunger hormones and cravings.
- Depression and mood disorders may appear, impacting your quality of life and relationships. Poor emotional health, in turn, can have negative consequences for your physical health.
- Daytime fatigue raises the chance of accidents, including motor vehicle crashes.
Given the risks associated with sleep apnea, it is no wonder that studies consistently find it to be associated with a decrease in life expectancy!
Treatment Encourages Better Long-Term Health
While sleep apnea is a major threat to your health, it does not mean you are doomed to an early death. In fact, you have options for addressing sleep apnea that can support long-term wellness and longevity.
Oral appliance therapy stands out as a practical, comfortable solution for many people who struggle with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices that reposition your jaw or tongue to prevent airway obstruction. Using one of these devices nightly supports uninterrupted breathing, which allows your body to get the most out of your sleep cycle. Healthy sleep, in turn, supports overall health and a longer life expectancy.
You have the power to take steps toward better health and longevity! Addressing sleep apnea with proven therapies may help you thrive for years to come.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Laura Gramse is an active member of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Under her expert leadership, our team is proud to offer oral appliance therapy to help patients get the rest they need to enjoy improved health. If you are curious about this treatment option or have questions about our services, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our Springfield, MA, office at 413-783-6907.