Losing weight can lead to a whole host of benefits, from feeling better about your body image to having more energy to sustain you throughout the day. But did you know that it can also help you sleep better, especially if you suffer from sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, causing them to wake up frequently throughout the night. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, which puts extra weight and pressure on the breathing passages. As a result, one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea is weight loss.
Studies have shown that losing just 10% of your body weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnea by up to 30%. Losing even more weight can lead to an even more significant improvement in symptoms. This is because losing weight reduces the amount of excess fat around the neck that can block the airway and cause snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea.
In addition to reducing sleep apnea symptoms, losing weight can also lead to better quality sleep overall. When you carry excess weight, your body has to work harder to regulate its temperature, leading to more restlessness and less time spent in the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Losing weight can help regulate your body’s temperature and improve your sleep quality as a result.
So, if you’re struggling with sleep apnea and looking for a way to improve your symptoms and get better sleep, one of the best things you can do is focus on losing weight. Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise can be a powerful tool for shedding excess pounds and finding relief from sleep apnea. Not only will you feel better about your body and have more energy during the day, but you’ll also be able to get the restful, rejuvenating sleep you need to feel your best.