Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss
Sleep apnea and weight loss can go hand in hand as this sleep disorder is often weight related. Treating sleep apnea or reducing the severity for some can be as basic as losing a few extra pounds.
What Causes Sleep Apnea
The majority of patients with sleep apnea are overweight. However not everyone who is overweight has sleep apnea and patients who are not overweight can also have this sleep disorder.
In fact a recent study revealed that losing weight may be the single most effective way to reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms according to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Excessive fat around the neck can contribute to narrower airways, increasing the risk of obstruction, resulting in lesser symptoms when weight is lost.
One test for sleep apnea is to have the patient's neck circumference measured.
Side Effects of Sleep Apnea
Losing weight is not that easy for those suffering from the side effects of sleep apnea.
Losing weight is certainly possible and desirable, but it may be more challenging for a couple of reasons. Tiredness and fatigue from a lack of quality sleep leads to less energy. Most people who have untreated sleep apnea just don't have the desire or energy to exercise.
It can become a vicious cycle - poor quality sleep, fatigue, no energy to exercise, weight gain, worsening sleep apnea symptoms.
CPAP and Sleep Apnea
The first step is to get started with a
CPAP machine
so that quality sleep will lead to waking up with more energy.
The best thing that you can do to start losing weight is to get good quality sleep. With uninterrupted sleep you will wake up with more energy and motivation to start an exercise program.
CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure.”
Find out from your doctor if he/she recommends CPAP for your sleep apnea.
Sleep Benefits of Weight Loss
Sleep deprivation caused by obstructive sleep apnea, can be improved through weight loss and in fact for some people this sleep disorder can be eliminated when some pounds are shed.
Not only is this good news for those diagnosed with sleep apnea, but also for their bed partners. Snoring and disrupted sleep affects both parties.
Evaluate your current lifestyle and habits. Make a weight loss plan and commit to it. Find accountability. Keep your end goal in mind and stay focused.
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