The Link Between Obesity And Sleep Apnea

If you, a member of your family, or housemate exhibit loud snoring, abrupt awakenings, moments of gasping for air, and difficulties getting a good night’s sleep, contact the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates for an evaluation and care.  

Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder involving repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when an obstructed upper airway blocks the normal flow of oxygen.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can affect all aspects of your life and health. Besides nighttime difficulties, daytime problems, such as a morning headache, excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability often ensue. Furthermore, sleep apnea increases your risk for a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. It’s also associated with type 2 diabetes and depression.

How being overweight contributes to your risk

According to statistics, close to 25 million people across the country suffer from sleep apnea. While the condition can be attributed to several factors, obesity ranks high on the list. Obstructive sleep apnea  (OSA) is most common in people who are obese or overweight. As a matter of fact, 60% to 90% of adults diagnosed with OSA are overweight.

Being overweight or obese contributes to the development of obstructive sleep apnea in the following ways:

• With a significant weight gain, fat deposits accumulate in the upper airway. As the narrower airway relaxes when sleeping, it can obstruct the normal flow of air.
• In addition to physically narrowing the upper airway, fat deposits can also diminish the level of muscle activity and control in the area. 
• Excess abdominal fat can compress the chest wall and decrease lung volume and capacity. The reduced airflow may further contribute to an upper airway collapse when sleeping.    

The relationship between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea is complicated and can lead to a vicious cycle. Just as excess weight can result in obstructive sleep apnea, the condition can, in turn, lead to lower activity levels and additional weight gain. 

Weight Management is key

The good news is that losing weight can significantly reduce many OSA Symptoms and improve cardiovascular health, metabolism, overall well-being, and function. 

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we provide sleep apnea patients with the diagnostic services and comprehensive care they need every

step of the way. In addition to performing sleep studies and tests to arrive at a precise diagnosis, we prescribe the treatment patients require to get a safe, healthy, and restorative night’s sleep. We also offer skilled and supportive guidance on lifestyle and behavioral modifications to help patients work towards a healthy body weight. 

Our goal is for every patient to enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep and optimal health. To learn more about how we can help treat sleep apnea, give us a call today.