Obesity is a global health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to various health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It can cause daytime fatigue, headaches, and mood swings. Recent research has suggested a link between sleep apnoea and weight gain.
A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that people who slept less than six hours per night were more likely to gain weight than those who slept between seven and eight hours.
Another study found that people who slept less than seven hours per night were more likely to be overweight or obese. The reason for this could be that lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that control hunger and appetite, causing people to eat more and gain weight.
Sleep apnoea can also lead to weight gain because it disrupts the body’s normal breathing pattern. When a person has sleep apnoea, their breathing stops and starts repeatedly throughout the night. This disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle and can cause the body to release stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can cause weight gain.
Additionally, when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, their body may not get enough oxygen, which can cause metabolic changes that lead to weight gain.
Can Treating Sleep Apnoea Help with Weight Loss?
Treating sleep apnoea may help with weight loss. When a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, their body may not get enough oxygen, which can cause metabolic changes that lead to weight gain. By treating sleep apnoea, the body can get the oxygen it needs, which may help to reverse these metabolic changes and promote weight loss.
One study found that treating sleep apnoea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy led to significant weight loss in obese individuals. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open. The study found that after six months of CPAP therapy, participants lost an average of 33 pounds. The weight loss was attributed to improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, and a reduction in appetite.
Another study found that weight loss can improve the symptoms of sleep apnoea. The study found that overweight or obese individuals who lost 10% of their body weight had a significant improvement in their sleep apnoea symptoms. The weight loss also led to a reduction in blood pressure, which is another risk factor for sleep apnoea.
In addition to CPAP therapy and weight loss, making lifestyle changes can also help with both sleep apnoea and weight loss. This includes adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can promote weight loss and improve overall health, while avoiding alcohol and tobacco can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep apnoea. It is also advisable to find a practitioner and check your condition.
In conclusion, there is a strong link between sleep apnoea and weight gain. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that control hunger and appetite, causing people to eat more and gain weight. Additionally, sleep apnoea can lead to weight gain because it disrupts the body’s normal breathing pattern, causing metabolic changes that promote weight gain.
Treating sleep apnoea may help with weight loss by improving sleep quality, increasing energy levels, and reducing appetite. This can be achieved through CPAP therapy, weight loss, and lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
