Obesity and Sleep Apnea Connection
Obesity is Major Risk Factor For Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea (not breathing) is a common complaint among obese people. Sleep apnea occurs when an individual stops breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time while sleeping. These episodes of not breathing can occur hundreds of times a night.
Preventing the individual from reaching a state of deep sleep at night results in drowsiness during the day, tiredness, headaches, depression, more weight gain, loss of memory, and a general lack of energy.
It is a serious condition which studies show lead to even more serious problems like high blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack.
Weight Loss Reduces Sleep Apnea
Weight loss leads to a significant improvement in symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Even modest weight reduction can help get the condition under control. In fact, weight reduction (over 95% of individuals suffering from sleep apnea are obese).
