Our socio-economic status can impact many things in life: where we live, where we go in our free time, and how we live. It can also impact the healthcare we get, due to lack of money, support, and insurance. A new study has even found that people with lower incomes may suffer worse side effects from the sleep disorder sleep apnea.Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans each year, but it typically affects older men who are obese or overweight. In the study, researchers found that a new demographic, women, young adults, and African Americans with lower incomes all suffered more severe sleep apnea symptoms than their wealthier counterparts.Though the exact connection is not known, researchers believe it could be stress related to lack of income that exacerbates sleep apnea symptoms. Stress can take its toll on sleep, keeping you up at night with worries and anxiety. This in turn can make your sleep worse, and worsen sleep apnea symptoms.Thankfully, there are things you can do to combat sleep apnea symptoms.A customized sleep orthotic from Dr. Peterson is an excellent solution for those with sleep apnea. A custom sleep orthotic fits comfortably in the mouth, much like a bite guard. Because it is custom molded to your individual mouth, many people don’t even notice they’re wearing it. It also is easier to clean and does not require the use of expensive and awkward machinery like CPAP therapy does.For those who don’t believe they can afford a sleep device, speak to your insurance company, or check your FSA benefits to see if this type of device is covered. Financing a device through medical finance companies may also be a viable solution for those looking to purchase a custom sleep orthotic.Make your health a priority, and treat your sleep apnea if possible. If left untreated sleep apnea can worsen many other conditions like depression, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also cause daytime lethargy and cognitive impairment.To learn more about custom sleep orthotics and how they can help you get the sleep you deserve, contact Dr. Peterson’s office today and schedule a consultation.