Sleep Dallas Blog

When we think of sleep apnea, the sufferers that often come to mind are mature adults. And that certainly is the case, as it is now estimated that 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 have sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. But there are two other age groups that can be affected by disordered breathing during sleep: young children and adolescents. While the cases are less frequent, untreated sleep apnea during childhood can have serious, far-reaching consequences that follow into adulthood. 

We’ve regularly discussed how getting enough sleep is a vital part of self-care and maintaining overall health, especially as we age. Deep sleep is a critical component to keeping our minds and bodies functioning efficiently — it reduces stress and helps protect against serious health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. But new research suggests that a lack of proper sleep may cause permanent damage to the brain. 

As we pass through life’s stages, trials, and tribulations, we inevitably encounter circumstances and situations that affect the quality of our sleep. Overall health, age, lifestyle, habits, and other factors all play a part in sleep health and our ability to get a good night’s rest.

The news of Carrie Fisher’s cause of death has thrust sleep apnea into the national consciousness again, or at least it should have. While media outlets largely focused on the fact that drugs were found in Fisher’s system, the medical examiner’s report actually noted that sleep apnea and heart disease were major contributing factors in her death.

There is no denying that snoring causes sleepless nights and intense irritation for countless sufferers and their partners. The condition, identified simply as breathing noisily during sleep, affects an estimated 90 million American adults, with up to 37 million snoring regularly.

You may be familiar with the age-old debate: does a balanced diet allow me to sleep better, or is it sufficient sleep that motivates me to eat a healthy, balanced diet? Ok, so it’s not really an age-old debate, but it should be because the two are very much related and dependent on each other. The answer to both questions above is a resounding “YES!” The fact of the matter is that a reciprocal relationship exists between sleep and diet.

Part 2: The Risks of Not Getting Enough Sleep

Depriving yourself of adequate amounts of restful sleep can be catastrophic for your overall health. It leads to poor physical health, feelings of fatigue, mental issues, and an increased risk of diseases and ailments that could impact your life expectancy.

Part 1: Understanding The Importance Of Sleep

Sleep. Everyone needs it, but so many of us don’t get enough of it. 1 in 3 adults fail to meet the minimum CDC standards for sleep, and nearly 20% of some age groups report feeling “exhausted” sometime in the last three months.