Do you wake up tired despite getting a full night’s sleep? This could be a warning indication of sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder marked by frequent breathing pauses while you’re asleep. Although sleep apnea’s immediate effects, such as daily drowsiness and an elevated risk of accidents, are widely recognized, its possible association with weight gain is a less evident but serious problem.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common and potentially dangerous sleep disorder that is characterized by frequent breathing pauses during sleep. Here are the three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: It is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea caused by the relaxation of the muscles at the back of the throat, which narrows or closes your airway as you breathe in. Breathing pauses, gasping, and snoring may result from this obstruction.
- Central Sleep Apnea: It occurs when your brain fails to communicate with the muscles that regulate your breathing. You therefore stop trying to breathe for short periods of time. CSA is usually not linked to snoring.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea: A person who has both central and obstructive sleep apnea is said to have complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as mixed sleep apnea.
How Does Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?
Sleep apnea disrupts important hormones that control appetite and metabolism, which is one of the main ways it can cause weight gain. Even if you’re not totally conscious of each awakening, your body suffers from chronic sleep deprivation when breathing pauses disrupt your sleep on a regular basis. Hormone imbalance may result from this lack of good sleep. Let’s look at the details:
Insulin Resistance
In addition to affecting insulin sensitivity, poor sleep can also result in insulin resistance. One hormone that helps in controlling blood sugar levels is insulin. Increased fat storage and difficulty losing weight might result from your body being resistant to insulin.
Leptin Resistance
Leptin is the “satiety hormone” that tells your brain when you’re full. It helps control hunger and stop overeating. Studies have shown that people with sleep apnea frequently have increased leptin levels, but their bodies become less sensitive to its effects. This implies that people may not feel satisfied after eating, which could result in them consuming more calories and gaining weight.
Ghrelin Surge
Ghrelin, also referred to as the “hunger hormone,” increases appetite and encourages the consumption of food. Elevated ghrelin levels have been associated with sleep loss, as seen in sleep apnea. It may become more difficult to follow a balanced eating plan as a result of these cravings and lingering feelings of hunger.
The Fatigue Factor
One of the main signs of sleep apnea is persistent daytime weariness. Your motivation and energy levels might be greatly impacted by persistent fatigue and sluggishness, which makes engaging in regular physical exercise difficult. Exercise is essential for controlling weight since it increases metabolism and burns calories. Your enthusiasm for regular exercise frequently wanes when sleep apnea prevents you from getting the restorative sleep you need, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and even weight gain.
Ending Note!
It’s critical to speak with a doctor if you think you may have sleep apnea. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, suggest suitable testing (like a sleep study), and create a customized treatment plan to address your sleep disorder and weight issues.
Consult our expert dentist at Divine Dental Studio about your sleep apnea and let them offer you the finest possible treatment. Contact us at (209) 207-7777 and book your appointment right away.