{"id":156,"date":"2021-02-12T16:17:10","date_gmt":"2021-02-12T16:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbussleepcenter.com\/blog\/?p=156"},"modified":"2021-02-25T16:20:05","modified_gmt":"2021-02-25T16:20:05","slug":"weight-gain-and-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.columbussleepcenter.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/12\/weight-gain-and-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Excessive Weight Gain Contribute to Sleep Apnea?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of Americans, leaving them devoid of the many benefits of receiving sufficient sleep<\/a>. The most common form of the condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is when there is a partial or full blockage of the airway that causes stoppages in breathing while resting. Does packing on extra pounds contribute to sleep apnea or vice versa? As you continue reading, a sleep dentist answers this question and explains the connection between weight gain and sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Which Comes First \u2013 Weight Gain or OSA?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Excessive weight gain can cause increased neck girth. This can add pressure and make the throat muscles flaccid while sleeping, resulting in an obstruction that causes stoppages in breathing. Common signs of this are loud snoring and gasping sounds while sleeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t a one-way street, though. Constantly interrupted sleep is one of the leading causes of obesity. It disrupts the body\u2019s circadian rhythm (its internal clock) and hormonal balance, which can cause unusual food cravings, inflammation and slower metabolism. Lack of sleep can also deplete energy stores. That means people who suffer from OSA are less likely to exercise, which is one of the best ways to control weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Fight Back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It should be noted that losing weight is not a way to completely cure sleep apnea, but it can make a significant impact. Studies show that losing just 10-15% of one\u2019s current weight can reduce the severity of OSA by 50%. Dietary and exercise changes can also help to reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and make the body more insulin responsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How a Sleep Dentist Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Receiving treatment for OSA starts with identifying the problem. If you\u2019ve noticed any of the following symptoms, bring it to your primary physician\u2019s attention so you can take a sleep test:<\/p>\n\n\n\n