Expert: Sleep Apnea Must Be Diagnosed, Treated, Or It Can Hasten Aging, Lead to Anxiety, Depression, Other Comorbidities

“Sleep apnea does not discriminate based on your occupation, physical size, shape, or level of fitness, and has the power to significantly impair day-to-day functions,” says Martha Cortes, DDS, a Manhattan-based sleep expert. “Contrary to the common assumption that sleep apnea only affects overweight, middle-aged men with thick necks, the new apneic is: athletic with small facial structures/airway, and a thin neck, and if left untreated, will worsen, and may be damaging.”

The following facts about sleep apnea can aid in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, says Cortes:

1. Sleep apnea causes oxidative stress, which speeds up the aging process and impairs the immune system, and is often misdiagnosed as symptoms of diabetes, hypertension (40-60% of the contribution is due to sleep apnea), renal dialysis, or cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, atrial fibrillation, or stroke).
2. Mental health disorders such as: anxiety, depression, and anger issues are linked to sleep disorders (Note: Sleep apnea is often misdiagnosed as a mental health disorder, as little-to-no-oxygen makes the condition worsen. The danger in misdiagnosis is that the root cause during sleep remains and will only worsen if untreated.)
3. Those who share a bed with someone who snores can develop spousal arousal syndrome (SAS), experiencing the same lack-of-sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness as those with sleep apnea—causing similar health issues.
4. One of the leading causes of divorce in the United States is the loss of intimacy. While there are a variety of reasons this may occur, sleep apnea may be one of them.
5. Flushing out the nasal passages daily with a saline product like Arm & Hammer Simply Saline, aids in prevention of nasal obstruction, which is often a contributor to mouth breathing and snoring.

“Whenever I suspect a patient suffers from sleep apnea, I recommend a sleep test to determine the possible root of the problem,” says Cortes. “And, although dentists are knowledgeable on the symptoms and treatments, only a medical doctor can make an official diagnosis.”