{"id":37,"date":"2024-02-19T19:52:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T19:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.evolutiondentalpdx.com\/blog\/?p=37"},"modified":"2024-03-19T19:54:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T19:54:19","slug":"weight-gain-sleep-apnea-vicious-cycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.evolutiondentalpdx.com\/blog\/?p=37","title":{"rendered":"Weight Gain and Sleep Apnea: A Vicious Cycle"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you been struggling to feel well-rested despite spending 7 \u2013 8 hours in bed every night? Does your partner tell you that you snore? Have you been putting on a few pounds lately? It might surprise you to learn that such issues are often closely related. This blog post explores the vicious cycle that can be created by obstructive sleep apnea<\/a> (OSA) and weight gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Sleep Apnea Can Cause Weight Gain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OSA is a disorder defined by repeated periods throughout the night when a person has reduced breathing or complete pauses in breathing. These episodes occur when tissues in the throat block the free flow of air. Snoring is very common among individuals with this condition. OSA can greatly interfere with the quality of your sleep, leaving you feeling exhausted from day to day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you do not get enough high-quality sleep, your hormones are affected. For example, you may experience lower levels of leptin, which is the hormone that tells your body to stop eating. You may also have higher levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Other hormones that influence appetite and energy, such as insulin and cortisol, can also be affected. As a result, you might find it increasingly difficult to control your weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight Gain Can Cause or Worsen Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like sleep apnea can lead to weight gain, the reverse is also true; weight gain can lead to sleep apnea. Extra weight around the neck and abdomen can place pressure on the airway, increasing your risk of poor-quality breathing throughout the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaking Free of the Cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips that may help you to both manage your weight and enjoy higher-quality sleep:<\/p>\n\n\n\n