The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 29, 2024
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list?
It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities.
After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of life and death.
Keep reading to discover the minimum number of hours you should aim for…
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open revealed a terrifying reality.
Folks with OSA who sleep less than seven hours a night are staring down the barrel of an early death from any cause compared to those who prioritize shut-eye.
OSA is the most prevalent breathing-related sleep disorder, affecting an astonishing 39 million adults in the U.S. alone.
Picture this: as you drift off to dreamland, your throat muscles decide to take a vacation. When they relax they block your upper airway causing your breathing to start and stop like a glitchy computer program.
It’s a nightly struggle that leaves you exhausted AND jeopardizes your health.
But here’s the real kicker. The study found that the link between inadequate sleep and a heightened chance of meeting an untimely demise was independent of the apnea-hypopnea index, which gauges the frequency of breathing disruptions during sleep.
In other words, even if your OSA isn’t severe, cutting corners on your sleep could still put your life on the line.
We should all prioritize our sleep, especially those of us grappling with OSA. Following are some practical tips to help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and pave the way for a healthier, longer life:
- Shed extra pounds: Carrying excess weight can aggravate OSA symptoms, so it’s time to get serious about slimming down. Studies show losing just 10 to 15 percent of your body weight can slash OSA symptoms by 50 percent!
- Embrace CPAP: If your doctor prescribes a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or an auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machine, use it as if your life depended on it—because it might. It may not be the most fashionable bedtime accessory and can be a pain to use, but it could be the key to a better night’s rest and a longer, healthier life.
- Switch positions: Sleeping on your back can aggravate OSA symptoms, so try to train yourself to sleep on your side. Invest in a body pillow for extra support and comfort.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives: Depressants such as alcohol and sedatives can further relax your throat muscles, worsening OSA symptoms. Stick to water or herbal tea before bedtime to keep your airways clear and your sleep sound.
- Kick the smoking habit: Smoking can worsen OSA symptoms, so it’s crucial to bid farewell to those cancer sticks once and for all. You’ll breathe and sleep better.
Don’t let sleep apnea and insufficient sleep rob you of precious years. Take control of your health, prioritize sleep, and give yourself the gift of a well-rested, LONGER, more vibrant life.
P.S. This common habit drives up sleep apnea risk by up to 78%!
Source:
Lin Y, Wu Y, Lin Q, et al. Objective Sleep Duration and All-Cause Mortality Among People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(12):e2346085. doi: 10. 1001 /jamanetworkopen .2023 .46085
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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