Obesity and sleep apnea often go hand in hand. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when one’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions can be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most common is excess body weight. In fact, studies have shown that as many as 90% of people with sleep apnea are obese.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem: weight loss. By shedding excess pounds, sleep apnea symptoms can be significantly reduced or even eliminated altogether. Here’s why weight loss is so effective when it comes to treating sleep apnea:
Reduced Fat Tissue in the Neck and Throat
When people gain weight, fat tissue often accumulates in the neck and throat area. This can cause the airway to become narrower, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep. Losing weight can decrease the amount of fat in these areas and open up the airway, reducing the number of breathing interruptions that occur during the night.
Improved Lung Function
Excess weight can also put additional strain on the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe normally. Losing weight can help improve lung function and increase the amount of oxygen that the body receives during sleep. This can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve overall sleep quality.
Lowered Inflammation in the Body
Obesity has been linked to chronic inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause the airway to become inflamed, further narrowing it and making it more difficult to breathe. Losing weight can reduce inflammation in the body, leading to less inflammation in the airway and improved breathing during sleep.
Improved Overall Health
Finally, losing weight can improve overall health, which can have a positive impact on sleep apnea symptoms. People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of developing a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. By losing weight and improving overall health, sleep apnea symptoms can be reduced and the risk of developing other health problems can be decreased.
If you suffer from sleep apnea and are overweight or obese, weight loss should be a priority. Talk to your doctor about the best strategies for losing weight safely and effectively. With commitment and dedication, you can achieve a healthy weight and improve your sleep and overall health.