Sleep Apnea & Weight Loss
Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that occurs when breathing is obstructed during sleep. These episodes can occur several times to hundreds of times a night, sometimes causing you to wake up gasping for air. The resulting fatigue and frustration can make life difficult. One of the main things you can do to combat sleep apnea is to lose excess weight.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Facts
-
There are two types of sleep apnea---central and obstructive. Obstructive sleep apnea accounts for roughly 95 percent of all occurrences, and happens when the tissue in your throat begins to block your airway, causing breathing difficulties during sleep as your muscles relax. Overweight people are at the highest risk of developing this disorder, so losing weight can help reduce or eliminate your sleep apnea.
Significance
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, if obstructive apnea is left untreated it can result in heart disease, stroke, loss of mental acuity and even death. People who suffer from this disorder are often tired and can be unaware of their problem; often it is a loved one (or sleeping partner) who notices. If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, see a medical professional as soon as possible.
-
Prevention/Solution
-
Research by experts cited by the Mayo Clinic shows that losing weight is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Your chance of sleep apnea occurring is directly proportional to how overweight you are. Fat causes the muscles in the throat to be weak and essentially collapse as you sleep, causing you to gasp for oxygen and feel as though you are suffocating. By losing weight, you can slowly eliminate and reduce the fat deposits that cause the blockage in your throat.
Considerations
-
While obstructive sleep apnea accounts for the vast majority of cases, there are also cases related to central sleep apnea. This is due to a problem in the brain, so losing weight would not improve your symptoms. If you have central sleep apnea, your physician or a sleep specialist can advise you on how to deal with it.
Benefits
-
Medical experts agree that by losing weight and seeing improvement in your sleep apnea symptoms, you will greatly improve your quality of life. You will sleep better, feel more rested and have improved cognitive ability during the day. Medically, your heart and brain will also get the rest they need, along with the proper amount of oxygen needed to function optimally.
-
