{"id":216,"date":"2021-08-22T11:28:06","date_gmt":"2021-08-22T11:28:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stephenscitydental.com\/blog\/?p=216"},"modified":"2021-09-15T11:30:25","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T11:30:25","slug":"weight-gain-and-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stephenscitydental.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/22\/weight-gain-and-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Excessive Weight Gain and Sleep Apnea \u2013 Are They Connected?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Millions of Americans are dealing with some form of sleep apnea<\/a>, a condition that prevents them from getting a good night\u2019s rest. The most common form of the condition is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which refers to a full or partial blockage of the airway that triggers temporary stoppages in breathing. With that in mind, is there a connection between weight gain and sleep apnea? Continue reading to get the answer from a local sleep dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Weight Gain vs. OSA \u2013 Which Comes First?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When there is excessive weight gain, it increases the neck girth. The added mass can place pressure on the throat muscles, making them flaccid while sleeping. This can obstruct the airway and cause stoppages in breathing. A common sign of this is loud snoring and gasping sounds while asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not always weight gain that brings about OSA, though. People who don\u2019t get adequate rest at night are more susceptible to becoming obese. This is partially caused by disruptions in the body\u2019s circadian rhythm (its natural internal clock) and the ensuing hormonal imbalances. Lack of sleep can also create an energetic deficit, which makes people suffering from OSA less likely to exercise. Thus, they are more likely to become overweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Weight Loss Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While weight loss, alone, can\u2019t cure OSA, it can make a significant impact. Studies show that dropping just 10-15% of one\u2019s current weight can reduce the severity of OSA by 50%. Dietary and exercise changes can also help to reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and make the body more responsive to insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Value of Working with a Sleep Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, working with a skilled sleep dentist can help tremendously in addressing OSA. However, it starts with being properly diagnosed. If you notice any of the following symptoms, bring it to your primary physician\u2019s attention so you can take a sleep test:<\/p>\n\n\n\n