Does snoring accelerate the aging process?

Overview

Regular readers of this publication are familiar with the numerous studies that highlight the health risks associated with inadequate sleep.

Insufficient sleep is known to elevate the chances of developing various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

A recent study indicates that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition often linked to loud snoring, could potentially accelerate the aging process.

OSA occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to breathing difficulties, chronic snoring, and frequent awakenings.

Episodes of interrupted breathing, known as apnea, can be caused by physical factors or underlying health conditions and may impact oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

Inadequate sleep has been associated with a reduced lifespan and overall poor health. Some studies suggest that getting less than five hours of sleep per night could increase the risk of mortality by up to 15%. But how does sleep apnea specifically influence the aging process?

A research conducted at the University of Missouri focused on apnea and a concept called epigenetic age acceleration. In simple terms, this phenomenon implies that a person's biological age surpasses their chronological age and is connected to premature death. The findings were revealing.

Sleep Apnea and Aging

This study involved 24 nonsmokers aged between 28 and 58. Among them, 16 had been diagnosed with sleep apnea while the remaining eight had not. All participants underwent a comprehensive sleep analysis along with blood and DNA testing.

According to the lead researcher, Rene Cortese, sleep apnea accelerates the aging process through oxidative stress and persistent inflammation.

The study revealed that individuals with OSA experienced faster biological age acceleration due to disrupted sleep patterns and reduced oxygen levels during sleep compared to those without the condition. However, there was a positive outcome.

Positive Effects of CPAP

After a year of using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for at least four hours every night, the participants were reevaluated.

CPAP involves wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth to maintain open airways and ensure a steady oxygen supply for normal breathing. While initially uncomfortable, individuals tend to adapt to the device. The results were promising.

The researchers observed that individuals using CPAP were able to reverse the aging trend identified in the study.

Prof. Cortese stated that "OSA patients who adhered to CPAP treatment showed a slowdown in epigenetic age acceleration, while no changes were noted in the control group. Our findings suggest that effective treatment of OSA can partially reverse biological age acceleration."

Conclusion

Statistics from the American Sleep Apnea Association reveal that approximately 22 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, with a significant percentage of moderate to severe cases going undiagnosed.

Individuals experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea should seek guidance from a healthcare professional. However, even if you do not have sleep apnea, poor sleep habits can pose health risks. Establishing a healthy sleep routine can significantly enhance overall well-being, as evidenced by this study.

Take your sleep seriously. Avoid electronic devices before bedtime, consider a relaxing bath or shower, exercise earlier in the day, and create a peaceful sleep environment in your bedroom.

For more information on sleep apnea or tips for improving sleep health, visit https://www.sleepassociation.org/.

References

Fadó R, Molins A, Rojas R, Casals N. Feeding the Brain: Effect of Nutrients on Cognition, Synaptic Function, and AMPA Receptors. Nutrients. 2022 Oct 5;14(19):4137. doi: 10.3390/nu14194137. PMID: 36235789; PMCID: PMC9572450.

Zhang R, Zhang M, Wang P. The intricate interplay between dietary habits and cognitive function: insights from the gut-brain axis. Front Nutr. 2025 Jan 29;12:1539355. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1539355. PMID: 39944956; PMCID: PMC11813792.

"Food for the Brain" initiative by the Food for the Brain Foundation, a UK-based charity dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on mental well-being and cognitive health.

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Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.