The Links Between Obesity And Sleep Apnea
Posted on: 2 August 2016
Being overweight is extremely common with people of all ages, and most people do not realize all the extra risks obesity can have on a person's health. One risk of obesity involves a much higher chance of developing sleep apnea. If you are currently overweight, you might want to begin losing weight so you can reduce the risks of developing health problems, including sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects the way a person breathes while he or she sleeps. When a person has this condition, he or she will actually stop breathing from time to time while sleeping. When this happens, it places a lot of extra stress on the person's heart, and it can end up leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other heart-related problems.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you are likely to feel tired a lot. You may also have trouble concentrating on things, and you may feel agitated. These are all typical results of sleep apnea, primarily because this condition prevents you from getting a good night's sleep.
How does obesity lead to sleep apnea?
Carrying around extra weight is linked to quite a few health issues, including heart problems, diabetes, and sleep apnea. According to experts, sleep apnea occurs commonly with obese individuals due to the extra fat and tissue found in their throats. When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. As this occurs, the fatty tissue in this area gets in the way and prevents air from moving in and out of your lungs. In other words, the fat locks the air passage, and sleep apnea occurs when the air passage is blocked.
It's also important to note that people with sleep apnea may have a tendency to eat more than people without it. Because of this, you may end up gaining even more weight.
What can you do about this?
If you are overweight and want to reduce the negative health effects obesity has on your body, you should visit a doctor. A doctor may be able to help you find ways to lose weight, and your doctor can also talk to you about sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, treating it properly will help you become healthier.
If you would like to learn more about weight loss and the treatment options for sleep apnea, contact Chicago Weight Loss Clinic or a similar location.
Share