As a dentist who focuses on treating sleep apnea here at Cambria Dental Sleep Medicine in Camp Hill, PA, I often get asked by patients from Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Enola, and Carlisle: “Can sleep apnea cause weight gain?”
The short answer is yes, but the relationship between sleep apnea and weight is more complex than you might think.
Let’s dive into this important topic and explore how sleep apnea and weight gain are interconnected.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Before we discuss the link between sleep apnea and weight gain, let’s quickly review what sleep apnea is.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
This happens when the throat muscles relax and block the airway, leading to disrupted sleep and decreased oxygen levels in the body.
How Does Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?
Sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain in several ways:
- Hormonal Changes: Sleep apnea disrupts the balance of important hormones in your body, including those that regulate hunger and fullness. This can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods.
- Fatigue and Reduced Activity: People with sleep apnea often feel exhausted during the day, making it harder to exercise and maintain an active lifestyle.
- Slowed Metabolism: Poor sleep quality can slow down your metabolism, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.
- Insulin Resistance: Sleep apnea can lead to insulin resistance, which can cause weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Why Does Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?
The reasons behind sleep apnea-related weight gain are multifaceted:
- Stress on the Body: Sleep apnea puts significant stress on your body, triggering the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) which can promote fat storage, especially around the abdomen.
- Disrupted Sleep Cycles: When your sleep is constantly interrupted, it throws off your body’s natural rhythms, affecting everything from hormone production to metabolism.
Does Sleep Apnea Go Away When You Lose Weight?
For many people, losing weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, it may even resolve the condition entirely.
However, it’s important to note that while weight loss can help, it’s not always a complete cure, especially for those with severe sleep apnea.
How Much Weight Loss to Stop Sleep Apnea?
The amount of weight loss needed to improve or resolve sleep apnea varies from person to person.
However, studies have shown that even a modest weight loss of 10-15% can lead to significant improvements in sleep apnea symptoms.
Breaking the Cycle: Treatment Options
At Cambria Dental Sleep Medicine, we offer effective treatment options for sleep apnea that can help break the cycle of sleep apnea and weight gain:
- Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted sleep apnea mouth guards or mouthpieces can help keep your airway open during sleep. Oral appliances are good
- CPAP Alternatives. For those who can’t tolerate CPAP machines, oral appliances are a comfortable and effective treatment option.
- Lifestyle Modifications: We work with you to develop strategies for weight loss, improved sleep hygiene, and overall health improvement.
Why Choose Cambria Dental Sleep Medicine?
We are committed to providing personalized care for patients throughout Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Enola, and Carlisle. Our team focuses on sleep apnea treatment, including custom oral appliances for sleep apnea that serve as excellent CPAP alternatives.
Don’t let sleep apnea and weight gain control your life. Take the first step towards better sleep and health by contacting Cambria Dental Sleep Medicine today. We’re here to help you understand your options and find the best sleep apnea treatment for your unique needs.
Remember, addressing your sleep apnea not only improves your sleep quality but can also help manage your weight, boost your energy levels, and enhance your overall quality of life. If you’re struggling with sleep issues, don’t wait to seek help.
Contact us today to learn how we can improve your sleep and health!
