Is Sleep Apnea in The Woodlands Linked to Obesity?

Obesity and hypertension are two rampant health problems in the United States. These conditions can be brought about by many factors, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity, but you might also need to consider how well you’re sleeping at night. Surprisingly enough, many researchers have found a connection between sleep apnea in the Woodlands and multiple metabolic health issues.  Here’s why it’s important to make sure you’re getting a good night’s rest.

What is Sleep Apnea?

While asleep, your breathing might repeatedly stop and restart, sometimes up to 400 times per night; this is a disorder known as sleep apnea. The most common kind is obstructive sleep apnea, which is usually caused by the collapse of soft tissues in the mouth and throat (such as the tongue), which blocks the airway.

Sleep apnea often causes loud, chronic snoring that can disturb people nearby. You may also notice excessive drowsiness during the day, or you might experience morning symptoms such as headaches or dry mouth. Occasionally, you might wake up gasping for air.

How Is Sleep Apnea Connected with Obesity, Hypertension, and Diabetes?

Many researchers have found a connection between sleep apnea and metabolic health issues such as obesity. While a lack of quality sleep may not directly lead to weight gain, it can affect the hormones related to appetite and cause you to eat more than you actually need to; a decrease in physical activity due to daytime sleepiness can also be a factor.

Other studies suggest that patients with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of diabetes and hypertension. Data collected by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine found that patients who suffered from 15 or more apnea episodes per night were 3 times more likely to experience hypertension than those who didn’t have the disorder. The University of Chicago found that patients suffering from sleep apnea had decreased glucose control, which has been linked to type 2 diabetes.

Further research is needed regarding these relationships. It should be noted that the connection may go both ways. Obesity, for example, is a known cause of sleep apnea, as fat accumulated around the neck can obstruct breathing.

How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

A sleeping disorder needs to be addressed as quickly as possible in order to prevent cumulative problems. In many cases, CPAP therapy is used; the patient wears a mask connected to a machine that forces air into the throat throughout the night. Alternatively, custom mouthguards can be used to adjust the jaw in a way that keeps the airway from being obstructed.

If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, you’ll need to have a sleep study done by a professional in order to confirm the diagnosis. And if you’re struggling with obesity, diabetes or hypertension, sleep apnea treatment could be a major step towards treating your symptoms.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Dernick opened his first practice in 1980 and has decades of experience in treating sleep apnea. He strives to help patients suffering sleep apnea and offers safe, non-invasive treatments such as CPAP therapy and oral appliances; he’s also able to help people who are keeping their loved ones awake with their snoring! To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (281) 363-2770.