Fix Your Sleep, Save Your Life with Dr. Greg Jones & Christina Finnerty, FNP
The Hidden Impacts of Sleep Apnea on Your Health
Dr. Greg Jones with Christina Finnerty, FNP
Sleep is one of the most important foundations of overall health, yet millions of people struggle with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders. In a recent podcast episode, Dr. Jones sat down with Christina Finnerty, FNP-C, to explore the far-reaching effects of sleep apnea and how integrative approaches can support healing.
Key Takeaways
Sleep apnea affects more than rest: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can harm heart, brain, metabolism, and accelerate aging.
Wide-ranging health impacts: OSA increases risks for cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, insulin resistance, and chronic illness.
Beyond CPAP treatment: Integrative approaches, including diagnostics, regenerative therapies, supplements, and lifestyle changes, can support healing and long-term wellness.
Personalized care matters: Functional medicine providers like Christina Finnerty, FNP-C, focus on root causes and tailored treatment plans for sustainable health.
Holistic health benefits: Addressing sleep apnea properly improves overall quality of life, longevity, and recovery across multiple body systems.
Watch the full conversation with Dr. Greg Jones and Christina Finnerty here on the podcast:
Why Sleep Apnea Matters
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more than just loud snoring or interrupted rest. Christina explained that untreated sleep apnea can accelerate aging, harm your heart, and even impact your brain. Studies show that OSA is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic problems, cognitive decline, and chronic illness. Over time, these effects can shorten both lifespan and quality of life.
How Sleep Apnea Affects the Body
When the airway is blocked during sleep, oxygen levels drop. This repeated stress affects multiple systems in the body:
- Brain health: Increases the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline
- Heart health: Raises the likelihood of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke
- Metabolism: Contributes to insulin resistance and weight gain
- Aging: Speeds up biological aging by putting stress on cells and organs
Beyond CPAP: Exploring Alternative Options
While CPAP machines are a common treatment, Christina highlighted that there are other ways to approach sleep apnea. Functional and integrative medicine can include:
- Diagnosticssuch as GI mapping, lipid panels, body composition analysis, and cardiac CT (by referral) to uncover root causes
- Regenerative therapieslike peptides to support healing and nervous system balance
- Targeted supplementsto improve sleep quality and reduce inflammation
- Lifestyle changesfocused on nutrition, exercise, and stress management
These strategies work together to not only manage symptoms but also improve long-term health and recovery.
The Role of Personalized Care
Christina Finnerty, FNP-C, brings a unique perspective as a functional medicine provider. She focuses on understanding the root causes of sleep issues and creating sustainable wellness plans. Her expertise extends beyond sleep apnea to include autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, inflammation, brain health, and overall longevity.
FAQs About Sleep Apnea and Functional Medicine
What are the signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Common symptoms include loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
How does untreated sleep apnea affect long-term health?
If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, weight gain, memory loss, and accelerated aging.
Are CPAP machines the only treatment option for sleep apnea?
No. While CPAP is widely prescribed, functional medicine offers additional approaches such as regenerative therapies, targeted supplements, and lifestyle changes that can improve sleep and overall wellness.
What testing can help identify underlying issues related to sleep apnea?
Advanced diagnostics like GI mapping, lipid panels, body composition analysis, and cardiac CT (by referral) may reveal contributing factors to sleep and health challenges
Can functional medicine help with conditions beyond sleep apnea?
Yes. Providers like Christina Finnerty, FNP-C, also support patients with autoimmune conditions, inflammation, pain, brain health, and overall nervous system balance.
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
