What is Sleep Apnea?
Many obese and overweight individuals suffer from sleep disorders as a result of their excess weight. One of the most common types of sleep disorders experienced by obese patients is Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is characterized by the blockage of breathing ability while you are asleep. The severity of this condition varies largely. Sufferers of sleep apnea experience the brief inability to breath from five to 50 times every hour during the night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is directly caused by a narrowing or blockage in the airways of the throat, mouth or nose. This blockage generally occurs when the muscles of the throat and tongue relax while you sleep. Enlarged tonsils are a leading cause of this obstruction, but other lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption and obesity strongly increase your risk as well. In fact, about 70% of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea are obese.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Being overly tired or extremely sleepy during the daytime, even after a presumed full night of sleep
- Not feeling refreshed after sleeping
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Frequent Headaches in the morning and night
- Heartburn
- Sour taste present in your mouth during the night
- Swelling in your legs
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Chest pain during the night
- Sweating at night
In addition to these symptoms, a spouse or close family member may notice other signs for concern that develop while you are asleep, such as:
- Your breathing stops for brief periods throughout the night
- Spells of gasping or choking
- Excessive snoring
- Tossing, turning and overall restless sleep
Treatment of Sleep Apnea
If you are experiencing these symptoms, then it is very important that you consult your physician. Sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious health conditions, like heart attack and stroke. In addition, increased tiredness inhibits your ability to function properly; making daily activities more difficult and even increases your risk for sleep apnea.
For many patients, the first step in the treatment of sleep apnea is often the implementation of simple lifestyle changes. Becoming healthier by limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and losing weight are all recommended courses of action. If you suffer from sleep apnea and would like help losing weight to improve your quality of sleep, then bariatric surgery may be a beneficial option for you.
Suggested Reading
How Minimally Invasive Bariatric Procedures Are Changing Lives
Nutritional Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery Preparation: Ensuring the Best Outcomes
Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey: When to Consider Weight Loss Therapy
Also In This Section
- Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Deciding If It’s Right for You with a Specialist’s Guidance
- The Connection Between Bariatric Surgery Psychology and Long-Term Weight Loss
- 5 Essential Supplements to Consider for Your Gastric Bypass Nutrition Plan
- The Role of Nutrition in Recovering from Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Top Reasons to Consider Lap Band Surgery in Michigan for Your Weight Loss Journey
- The Benefits of Surgical Weight Management: What You Need to Know
- Long-Term Success with Weight Loss
- Eating and Exercise Behavioral Changes to Lose Weight
- Weight Loss Doesn’t Come in a Can
- Sleep better to lose weight after weight loss surgery
- Set Up your Home for Weight Loss Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery Benefits Older Adults
- Sleep Better after Weight Loss Surgery
- Getting Active in the Cold
- How to Boost Your Health After Weight Loss Surgery
- Setting Realistic Goals After Surgery
- Eating in Restaurants After Weight Loss Surgery
- Can Being Overweight Hurt You in the Workplace?
- Strategies to Add Activity and Burn Calories after Bariatric Surgery
