Obesity or being excessively overweight is one of the main risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Many people suffer from sleep apnea, as they are jolted from a deep sleep starving for air, later feeling tired as the day progresses. Spouses suffer as much as the patient since they retreat to other parts of the house to get a good night sleep. This condition causes many serious problems if left untreated including hypertension and pulmonary hypertension. Sleep apnea is prevalent in as many as 18 million Americans (one in every 15 Americans). Many with sleep apnea go undiagnosed until serious problems have already developed.
According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, approximately 38,000 deaths occur on an annual basis that relate to cardiovascular problems that stem from sleep apnea. These problems include high blood pressure, hypertension and stroke. The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea include: excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, heartburn at night, abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches and difficulty staying asleep (insomnia). Disruptive snoring may be more prominent with obstructive sleep apnea while awaking with shortness of breath may be more common with central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the uvula, tonsils and tongue.
Unfortunately sleep apnea and weight gain can be a vicious cycle. The extra tissue and fat in the neck compresses the area related to sleep apnea, causing the airways to narrow. This portion of added adipose tissue in the airway makes apneas more likely and subsequently more reflux acid and irritation can occur. The narrowing organs and tissue swell making very little room for oxygen to travel, which can contribute to sleep deprivation. Studies have found that sleep deprived people had higher levels of a hormone that triggers appetite and lower levels of a hormone that suppress it.
The diagnosis may require a sleep study and an ENT consultation. Once you are diagnosed with sleep apnea the doctor can prescribe a healthy plan of diet and exercise as well as a CPAP machine or sleeping on your side to keep your airway open. Sometimes even special surgery may be needed. Very quickly the symptoms will decrease as you lose the weight and extra years will be added to your life.
If you are chronically tired and think this may be your problem please contact our office for diagnostic tests and an effective treatment plan at 661-947-7100.