3 connections between sleep-disordered breathing and cell aging, risk of disease 

The office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, in Dana Point, California, stays on top of the latest research in the prevention, detection, and management of airway-related conditions. Published in Sleep Medicine, the official journal of the World Sleep Society and the International Pediatric Sleep Association, study findings explore how sleep keeps our cells healthy, and this is especially true of kids and teens. Just like we need sleep to feel rested and grow, our cells need sleep, too. When we don’t sleep well or have trouble breathing at night (as is the case with sleep apnea), it contributes to cellular senescence (or cell aging). Poor sleep quality and respiration during sleep can make our bodies act like they’re getting old too fast — even if we’re young! 

In addition to looking at CS, scientists explored factors such as: 

• Bad chemicals in our bodies (oxidative stress and inflammation).
• How sleep affects our DNA protectors (telomeres).
• A special growth helper (called IGF-1) that works best when we sleep well.

They found that better sleep = healthier bodies and cells. Below, we take a closer look at the three key markers of cellular senescence, which can accelerate the aging process, and their relationship to sleep quality markers. 

No. 1: Oxidative stress and inflammation

Both inflammation and oxidative stress are factors that contribute to the process of CS. They represent the body’s response to tissue damage, infections, and injuries; however, things like the chronic low-grade inflammation that accompanies aging play a fundamental role in cell aging and in the development of diseases, from heart disease to cancer and dementia. This study highlighted how children with primary snoring and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea had higher levels of certain oxidative stress and inflammation markers than healthy “control” subjects. Furthermore, those who underwent surgical interventions experienced dramatic improvements in oxidative stress. It was also noted that the more severe the OSA, the higher the systemic inflammatory response. 

No. 2: Telomeres

The authors of this study describe telomeres as functioning like cellular clocks; they limit the number of cell divisions and serve as promising markers of CS/cell aging. Telomere length is affected by the oxidative stress and inflammation highlighted above. Since short sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and sleep disorders are associated with increased inflammation and OS, telomeres are more vulnerable to damage or “attrition.” In fact, researchers found that children who slept less had shorter telomeres than those who slept more. The difference was noted among 4-year-olds in a separate study; however, it was not noted in older children aged seven to nine. So, researchers suggest that sleep duration has a more significant impact in early childhood, too. 

No. 3: Growth hormone 

GH is primarily secreted during sleep. This hormone also stimulates IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor). Elevated levels of IGF-1 are implicated in CS and were found to be present among children with OSA. IGF-1 levels were also found to increase following surgery to treat OSA in another study. The increase is related to the improved secretion of GH, as the hormone is inhibited by the effect of sleep apnea. Improvements were noted after children slept deeper and longer post-surgery. So, the authors suggest that IGF-1 may be used as an indicator of better sleep quality due to the relationship between GH and IGF-1. 

By better understanding the relationship between sleep and cell aging, we may be able to develop strategies that support early diagnoses and interventions that reduce the levels of CS markers, which can have a lifelong impact. We may better level the playing field for children with SDBs. Dr. Mark A. Cruz and our airway-focused dentistry team also support early detection and treatment, and we encourage you to contact us with any concerns or questions about your child. Our Dana Point, CA team may be reached at (949) 661-1006.