Introduction
There are many consequences of sleep deprivation. One of them is weight gain. People today have bad habits that lead to weight gain and cause many health problems.
The following article will talk about the correlation between apnea and weight gain as well as offer measures to help you prevent gaining weight while losing sleep.
Does Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?
You have obstructive sleep apnea if your upper airway collapses and you stop breathing for brief intervals while you sleep, resulting in frequent awakenings.
In a 2017 study, The researchers at Trusted Source discovered that a change in body weight was directly proportional to sleep-disordered breathing. (Source: National Library Of Medicine)
Specifically, the researchers discovered that the less overweight people were experiencing, the less probable it was that they had sleep apnea or severe sleep apnea.
To put it simply, it happens when the muscles that keep your throat, nose, and mouth open relax, causing a constriction of your airways.
The problem is made worse by being overweight or obese, which leads to a further narrowing of the airways due to the accumulation of fat.
Negative effects of sleep apnea on day-to-day functioning and hormone levels can lead to weight gain.
It’s a vicious cycle: sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to weight increase, and being overweight can make sleep apnea worse.
However, there is a lot you can do to address your sleep apnea, improve your breathing and sleep, and keep your weight under control.
There are many potential causes of sleep apnea, but one of the most common is weight gain. When someone is overweight, they are more likely to have excess tissue in the throat and neck area.
This can lead to a narrowing of the airway, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep. Sleep apnea can also be caused by other factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions.
Common Causes Of Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain
Excess Weight
One of the most common causes of sleep apnea is excess weight. When you are overweight, your airway becomes narrower, making it more difficult to breathe.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which you stop breathing for short periods of time while you are asleep.
This can cause you to snore loudly, and you may feel tired during the day. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. If you are overweight, losing even a few pounds can help reduce your sleep apnea.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for sleep apnea. Obesity can cause sleep apnea by increasing the risk of airway obstruction.
People who are obese are also more likely to have other conditions that can contribute to sleep apnea, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. People who smoke are more likely to have sleep apnea than those who do not smoke.
Smoking can damage the airway and make it more difficult for air to flow through. This can make it more difficult for the person to breathe and can cause snoring.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol use is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. People who drink alcohol are more likely to have sleep apnea than those who do not drink. Alcohol use can also make sleep apnea worse.
Sedatives
Sedatives are a major risk factor for sleep apnea. People who take sedatives are more likely to have sleep apnea than those who do not take sedatives. The risk of sleep apnea increases with the use of sedatives.
Caffeine Use
Caffeine use is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. People who consume caffeine are more likely to have sleep apnea than those who do not consume caffeine. Caffeine use is also a risk factor for other sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
Stress
Stress is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. People who are stressed are more likely to have sleep apnea than those who are not stressed. Stress can also make sleep apnea worse.
There are many different ways to manage stress, and each person will find what works best for them. Some common stress management techniques include exercise, relaxation techniques, and counseling.
What Are The Consequence Of Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?
If you are someone who struggles with sleep apnea, you may also find yourself struggling with weight gain. This is because there are a few key ways that sleep apnea can lead to weight gain.
Tired During The Day
This can lead to you feeling less inclined to exercise, and can also make it harder to focus on healthy eating habits. If you are overweight, sleep apnea can also make it more difficult to lose weight.
Changes In Your Hormones
One of the hormones that can be affected is ghrelin, which is responsible for regulating hunger. When ghrelin levels are off, you may find yourself feeling hungrier than usual, which can lead to weight gain.
Insulin Resistance
This means that your body has a harder time processing sugar, which can lead to weight gain.
If you have insulin resistance, your body has a harder time processing sugar, which can lead to weight gain. When your body can’t process sugar properly, it’s more likely to store it as fat. Insulin resistance is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Cause Inflammation In The Body
This inflammation can lead to an increase in appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. It can also cause weight gain, which can make sleep apnea worse.
Impact Your Mental Health
Sleep apnea is a condition that can cause you to stop breathing during the night. This can lead to poor sleep and fatigue during the day. Sleep apnea can also impact your mental health, which can lead to emotional eating and weight gain.
If you struggle with sleep apnea, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage it.
There are a number of treatments available that can help you get a good night’s sleep and avoid the consequences of sleep apnea, including weight gain.
7 Ways Of Sleep Apnea Treatment Help With Weight Gain
1. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy
This therapy involves using a machine to pump air into your lungs while you sleep. It helps keep your airway open so that you can breathe properly
2. Weight loss
One of the main causes of sleep apnea is excess weight. Losing even a few pounds can help reduce the severity of your sleep apnea.
3. Avoidance of alcohol and sedatives
Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in your throat and make your sleep apnea worse. Avoiding them can help improve your sleep apnea.
4. Sleep position training
Sleeping on your side can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. There are special pillows available that can help keep you in this position.
5. Mouthpiece
A mouthpiece can help keep your airway open while you sleep. It is custom-fitted to your mouth and needs to be worn every night.
6. Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat sleep apnea. This could involve removing the excess tissue from the throat or correcting a deviated septum.
7. Lifestyle changes
Making some simple lifestyle changes can also help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. These include quitting smoking, avoiding caffeine before bed, and sleeping on your side.
How Much Weight Do I Need To Lose To Get Rid Of Sleep Apnea?
The American Thoracic Society suggests decreasing as little as 5-10 percent of your body weight if you have sleep apnea and are overweight or obese. Sleep apnea is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (Source: American Thoracic Society)
Have a conversation with the people who take care of you about how to start managing your weight in the most effective way.
Even though this might not completely cure your sleep apnea, it could be a helpful component in the management of your symptoms and an important step toward improving your general health.
Conclusion
Paying attention to your health and weight is extremely important. They both help you have a healthy body and help you get a good night’s sleep. We hope the information mentioned above will help you find a method that works for you
