Can sleep apnea cause weight gain?

Sleep apnea is a condition that makes breathing stops and begins several times during sleep. This can occur up to 400 times per night, each break of 10 seconds or more.

There are two main types of sleep apnea. The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues of your throat relax, temporarily blocking the air flow. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain does not send correct signals to muscles that control breathing.

Sleep apnea can compromise the quality of sleep, resulting in daytime sleeping, memory problems and an increase in long -term health risks, including weight gain. Additional body weight transport may also increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea or make symptoms more serious.

About 90% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are also overweight or obese. There is a strong link between sleep apnea and excess weight, one often contributing to the other.

Weight gain can cause sleep apnea

Excess weight increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and is one of the most common causes. An increase of only 10% of your body weight can make you six times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.

As body weight increases, the potential severity of your sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain

Sleep apnea can also contribute or cause weight gain. A poor or disturbed sleep interferes with the hormones of hunger and satiety (fullness). When you do not sleep enough, your body produces more ghrelin (which makes you hungry) and less leptin (which helps you to feel full).

Research suggests that inadequate sleep is also associated with other factors that can cause weight gain. These include:

• Increased desires of sweet or rich in calories
• Drowsiness or diurnal fatigue, which can make it more difficult to remain physically active and burn calories
• Slower metabolism and metabolic dysfunction

CPAP therapy and weight changes

Sleep apnea and excess weight can be difficult to manage without treatment and lifestyle changes.

Continuous therapy of positive pressure of respiratory tract (CPAP) is the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. While many assume that the treatment of sleep apnea with CPAP will cause weight loss by improving energy and sleep quality, evidence suggests that this may not always be the case.

Several studies have shown that some people have a small amount of weight after starting treatment with CPAP. A study revealed that the more a person used a CPAP person, the more likely they were to gain weight.

Researchers have several theories on the cause of this weight gain. Some suggest that the CPAP can slow down your body’s metabolism, while others say that weight gain can be linked to fluid retention associated with the use of CPAP. In some cases, weight gain can be attributed to an increase in the mass of the lean body, such as muscle rather than fat.

CPAP helps improve breathing and quality of sleep. People on CPAP therapy who wish to lose or maintain their body weight should prioritize lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support weight loss or avoid weight gain over time.

Sleep apnea and excess weight can increase your risk of other health problems. When they occur together, the effects on your body can be even more harmful.

Sleep apnea reduces oxygen levels during sleep, forcing your body to work harder to maintain breathing and deliver blood rich in oxygen to organs and tissues. Over time, this can cause generalized inflammation and damage to your blood vessels, organs and other body systems.

Untreated sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of many health conditions, in particular:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack, heart failure or stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Certain cancers, such as pancreas, kidneys and skin cancer
• Eye conditions such as glaucoma and dry ocular
• Dementia
• Depression

Excess body weight is also associated with many of the same health risks. Together, sleep apnea and overweight or obesity can tend many systems in your body. This is why it is important to recognize the connection and take measures to resolve both conditions.

Weight loss can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and, in some cases, completely resolve the condition. Studies show that the loss of 10 to 15% of body weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnea up to 50%. Some people who lose weight find that their sleep apnea is completely resolved, especially if excess weight is the main cause.

Weight loss does not heal sleep apnea for everyone. Genetics, age, shape of your respiratory tract and other underlying conditions can also contribute to the development of sleep apnea.

Although weight loss is not a guaranteed remedy for sleep apnea, it is important to manage the condition. It can help reduce the severity of symptoms, improve the quality of sleep and promote better overall health.

Managing your weight can help improve your overall health and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. These lifestyle habits can help prevent weight gain or support weight loss:

• Get treatment for sleep apnea: The use of a CPAP machine or another prescribed therapy can improve the quality of your sleep, reduce daytime fatigue and help regulate hormones that control your feelings of hunger and fullness.
• Watch your calorie intake: To lose weight, you usually have to burn more calories than you think. Monitoring your eating habits and the limitation of high -calorie snacks can help you stay in a calorie deficit. Focusing on whole nutrients that keep you longer in nutrients can also help you.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity supports weight loss and improves energy levels. When you are tired, soft movements such as walking, stretching or yoga can help you.
• Improve your sleep habits: Good sleep hygiene supports better rest and can facilitate the management of your weight. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and screen time before bedtime can also help improve the quality of your sleep.
• Manage stress: Stress can lead to emotional diet and disturb your sleep. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, journalization or expenditure outside to help reduce your stress level and support your general well-being.

If you do not know where to start, it can help consult a health care provider. A sleep specialist can help you find the appropriate treatment for sleep apnea, while a recorded dietitian can help you build a food plan that supports your weight goals.

Sleep apnea and weight gain are closely linked. Overweight and obesity can increase the risk of sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight for you.

Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy and adoption of life habits, including physical activity and a balanced diet, can help you manage your body weight, reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve your overall health.