Sleep apnea is an increasingly common sleep disorder that affects up to 25 million Americans. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, is caused by an upper airway blockage resulting in frequent interruptions in breathing during the sleep cycle. While there are several risk factors for developing sleep apnea, obesity is the most important, according to the Mayo Clinic. The relationship between excess weight and sleep apnea is both reciprocal and complex. Research from the American Heart Association reveals that while not everyone who is obese will develop sleep apnea, about 70% of OSA patients are obese. And for OSA patients who were not overweight when first diagnosed, the symptoms of daytime drowsiness and overall fatigue can actually lead to weight gain, creating a vicious cycle. 

Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat relax temporarily. The resulting blocked airway is responsible for creating the gasps and snorts that often accompany snoring. Being overweight and/or gaining weight increases your risk of developing sleep apnea because the size of the neck and chest are larger in overweight people, which means more weight is pressing down on this airway. It doesn’t take much excess weight to have this effect. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a 10% increase in body weight can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea sixfold. While the risk of sleep apnea in those who are overweight is well documented, new research shows that the reverse is also true. The body goes through various changes when it is deprived of sleep. When there is less oxygen intake, as during a sleep apnea episode, there are changes to the body’s metabolism, which is the rate your body burns the calories you consume. With the fatigue that accompanies sleep apnea, there is less energy, and you are less active. This slowdown in energy and activity level can lower your metabolic rate, meaning that you can gain weight without consuming any additional calories. 

According to Healthline, there are also hormonal changes that occur with insufficient sleep. New studies from the Sleep Foundation confirm that lack of sleep increases levels of ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone. Along with this hormonal increase comes a decrease in leptin, the fullness hormone. The result is overeating, consuming more calories, and weight gain. Coupled with the natural lack of activity which stems from the overall sleepiness and fatigue from sleep apnea, there is virtually no way not to gain excess pounds. Obstructive sleep apnea is also associated with serious comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Obesity elevates the risk for these same diseases creating a dangerous mix of critical health conditions.

One could conclude that by losing weight, you would no longer have sleep apnea. While losing weight when obese is always a good idea for overall health, it isn’t considered a cure for sleep apnea, according to ResMed. For individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, weight loss can help with some symptoms of the condition. Being overweight and having sleep apnea are two separate health concerns that have a complex relationship. If you are showing sleep apnea symptoms, it is best to discuss them with your doctor. What is becoming more pronounced as sleep health is more widely researched is that sleep is as critical to good overall health as exercise and eating a healthy diet.

To learn more about how BetterNight can help you provide more effective and efficient care to at-risk sleep apnea patients, contact us.