There are plenty of factors that can contribute to sleep apnea, and weight happens to be one of the most prominent. It’s estimated that the vast majority of adults who have obstructive sleep apnea (about 60% to 90%) are also overweight. For the sake of your health and getting a better night’s sleep, it’s essential to understand how weight and sleep-disordered breathing are connected.
The Link Between Weight and Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway is blocked while you’re asleep, causing your breathing to be interrupted. The lack of air causes you to wake up briefly, thus pulling you out of the sleep cycle. Multiple sleep apnea episodes can occur in a single night, making it extremely difficult if not outright impossible to get quality rest.
So how can weight play a role in this sleep disorder? People who are overweight tend to have fat deposits in their necks. Said deposits can easily end up obstructing the airway, thereby either directly causing sleep apnea or making it worse.
On top of that, sleep apnea can potentially have an adverse effect on the hormones that regulate appetite, which can cause you to eat more than normal. Consequently, people with sleep apnea are often more prone to gaining weight – meaning the two problems can end up continuously making each other worse.
Can You Cure Your Sleep Apnea by Losing Weight?
Losing weight can indeed go a long way toward reducing sleep apnea symptoms. By reducing the fatty deposits in the neck, you can significantly decrease the chances of your airway being blocked during the night. In fact, individuals who are moderately obese often see their sleep-disordered breathing become 50% less severe simply by losing 10% to 15% of their weight.
That being said, while losing weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms, it won’t necessarily cure the problem altogether. If you want a lasting solution for your sleep-disordered breathing, you will need to speak to a professional.
How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
Sleep apnea is traditionally treated with a CPAP machine, but if you would rather not take this approach, you may benefit from asking your dentist for an oral appliance. When you wear the appliance at night, it will slightly adjust the position of your jaw in order to help the airway remain unblocked.
If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then sleep apnea is a problem you can’t afford to ignore. Whether it’s caused by obesity or something else, it pays to be proactive when it comes to managing your sleep disorder.
About the Author
Dr. Robert C. Fromuth earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to traditional dental treatments, he is also able to offer a number of advanced services to his patients, including oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Fromuth at Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester, visit his website or call (603) 644-3368.