Weight Loss and Sleep

weightloss

The relationship between poor sleep and poor weight management is a vicious one.

Losing sleep tends to make people eat more and gain weight. The relationship between sleep loss and weight gain is a strong one, and has been shown in a variety of studies over the years. Large population studies show that both adults and children are more likely to be overweight and obese the less they sleep at night. In smaller, controlled studies scientists find that when people are allowed to sleep eight hours one night and then half that amount on another, they end up eating more on the days when they’ve had less sleep. One pivotal study at the University of Colorado in March, 2013 showed that losing just a few hours of sleep a few nights in a row caused people to pack on an average of about two pounds.

Sleep apnea and weight – a critical issue

It’s no secret that by most measures, many Americans are overweight.
Today, an estimated 36 percent of Americans are considered obese according to the CDC, and the condition can bring a number of health issues along with it. But did you know that by losing weight you can dramatically improve your quality of sleep, reducing the risk for sleep apnea?

Eliminating sleep apnea can ultimately decrease your chances of more severe health problems including stroke, cardiovascular failure, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sleep apnea is much more common in overweight women and men, and the need to lose weight is even more critical. Men are uniquely at an increased risk for sleep apnea due to the presence of testosterone, and for both men and women – three hormones that depend on good sleep : cortisol, leptin and ghrelin, without these hormones, your appetite isn’t suppressed, you start craving starchy carbs, and your metabolism plummets.

Studies have shown for some patients losing excess weight has cured or greatly improved sleep apnea, which in turn dramatically improved their overall health and sleep. For others, a more modest but significant improvement has been seen regarding weight loss and sleep apnea.

How does weight loss reduce risk for obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by a collapse of the upper airway during sleep.  Excess weight and fatty tissues block air passage and weaken muscles in the throat and pharynx resulting in snoring, labored breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness. By reducing the amount of fat in these critical areas, airways are clearer which allows for deeper more restful sleep (Slow Wave Sleep) as well as uninterrupted dreaming (REM sleep).

Charu Sabharwal, MD, DABSM and the Medical Director of Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, states ‘Sleep apnea is a vicious cycle. Many patients I see don’t have the energy to exercise and lose weight, as they are exhausted due to a poor night’s sleep. They often gain more weight which leads to more severe sleep apnea which compounds their problems.

If you are overweight or obese and have signs or symptoms (link to sleep apnea symptoms)of sleep apnea, Take the first step, call and schedule a consult with one of our sleep medicine physicians, or ask your doctor about a sleep referral to Comprehensive Sleep Care.

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