Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, and has long been linked to a myriad of co-morbidities—but did you know it also speeds up aging? The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona offers treatment for both kinds of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The standard treatment for OSA is CPAP therapy, and the key to a successful CPAP treatment (which is critical to ensure that your insurance policy covers it) is adherence. There are many reasons to get your OSA under control right now, from the increased risk of cardiac events to diabetes and stroke. However, now that you know you can also slow down the aging process when you manage OSA, that is yet another reason to schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist.
According to a 2022 study published in European Respiratory Journal, “patients with obstructive sleep apnea who use [CPAP] devices were able to slow down their epigenetic age acceleration.” This, of course, does not mean that they can slow down their natural aging process, but rather that they can slow the sped-up aging process caused by unmanaged OSA. The research comes from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in collaboration with Miguel Servet University Hospital in Spain. The team was curious about whether OSA is doing even more harm than the commonly known co-morbidities—specifically, if it accelerates the body’s aging process.
Aging and OSA
“Age acceleration” refers to when a person’s biology presents as older than they really are. Also known as “biological age,” this figure is based on an algorithm that examines a person’s DNA via blood sample. People who are “biologically” older than their chronological age have what is dubbed epigenetic age acceleration. These people are at higher risk for a number of disorders and diseases, including overall mortality. After all, if you are “biologically” older than your chronological age, you are going to be afflicted with more diseases and disorders (just like anyone who is older).
Prior to this study, one of the authors said that his team had already connected OSA with systemic inflammatory pathways and activation/propagation of oxidative stress. Both of these are already linked with age acceleration, so the researchers theorized that those with OSA would also be more likely to present with age acceleration.
Study Analysis with OSA Patients
The research included 16 adults diagnosed with OSA along with eight control subjects who did not have OSA. None of the participants smoked. Each were given a baseline blood test followed by another blood test one year later. Plus, those with OSA had to adhere to CPAP therapy during the year. It was no surprise to the researchers when it was revealed those with OSA had higher rates of epigenetic aging.
However, what was pleasantly surprising was that those who truly adhered to proper CPAP usage (which means a minimum of four hours per night) actually “decelerated” the epigenetic aging. There were some who did not adhere to CPAP, and they showed no change in how they were aging—in other words, they still had a biologic age older than their chronological age. According to a lead researcher, he was astounded by how quickly the aging process reversed: “Although it was within our expectations, the fact that deceleration of epigenetic age was so evident after one year of adherent CPAP treatment was very striking.”
What OSA Patients Can Do
There is more to be studied about the relationship between OSA and aging, as well as co-morbid conditions. The researchers say the results open up “potentially meaningful questions about the impacts of pediatric OSA and the efficacy of current treatment protocols” as well. It is usually adults who have OSA, but there is a rising number of cases in children, too, particularly given the obesity epidemic across all ages.
If you or your child has OSA, there are limitless benefits to starting and adhering to CPAP therapy—including slowing down the aging process. In the rare instance that CPAP may not work for you, The Insomnia and Sleep Institute is one of the few clinics that is capable of offering alternatives such as the Inspire implant. To find out more about treatment for OSA or any sleep disorder, get in touch with The Insomnia and Sleep Institute by starting a chat, calling the office, or filling out the online contact form.
