Breathing Therapy: A Solution to Slow Down Aging Caused by Sleep Apnea
A recent study conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo suggests that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can mitigate the accelerated cellular aging effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study found that individuals with untreated OSA experienced faster telomere shortening, an indicator of cell aging, but the use of CPAP reduced this damage. Telomeres naturally shorten as cells divide, but OSA can accelerate this process, leading to premature cell aging. CPAP treatment not only helps manage sleep but also counters the cellular aging effects of OSA. The study highlights the importance of sleep as a protective factor in aging and emphasizes the need for better care and access to CPAP treatment for OSA.