Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder where abnormal pauses in breathing or shallow breaths occur during sleep due to obstructions of the upper airway. It is a serious health condition that affects millions of people and can have serious health consequences if left untreated, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and low levels of oxygen in the body. OSA can also cause daytime fatigue, snoring, difficulty concentrating, and high blood pressure. Its main symptom is repeatedly stopping and starting during sleep due to repeated obstruction in the throat muscles.
According to a new study from the University of Buffalo, sleep apnea patients could be at a higher risk for low bone density. These findings are important for people with OSA as low bone mineral density is an indicator of osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. Low bone mineral density affects fracture risk and oral health, causing dental implants to fail and teeth to become weak.
The study was published in CRANIO: The Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice and used a type of x-ray called cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to measure the bone density in the neck and head of 38 adult participants. Half of the participants had obstructive sleep apnea.
After controlling for sex, age, and weight, the participants with obstructive sleep apnea were found to have had significantly lower bone mineral density than participants without OSA.
Researchers concluded the study by saying, “If a patient has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, this can influence treatment planning and management. CBCT imaging has become an integral part of daily orthodontic practice and could be used as a screening tool for low bone mineral density. Orthodontists could then inform their patients of their propensity for low bone mineral density and encourage them to seek further consultation with their physician, as well as warn the patient of possible adverse outcomes, increased risks, and effects on treatment time.”
Bone, Joint, and Sleep Health
Supporting bone health is essential as you age. Bone Rescue can help to support the maintenance and development of bones thanks to its unique formula, including strontium. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium can provide great support for aging bones. Bone Rescue contains 680 mg of strontium along with additional ingredients to help keep bones strong and healthy.
As you age, your joints may also require support to help them stay strong, flexible, and healthy. Healthy Joints contains multiple ingredients to help support and improve joint health. The primary ingredient in Health Joints is AprèsFlex®, an extract from Boswellia, which has been found in studies to provide rapid support for joint health and mobility. This unique formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which contain compounds that are some of the building blocks of healthy joints.
As this study shows, sleep is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Sleep Sure Plus is designed to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness through a variety of ingredients. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is essential for the regulation of the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.