Why Obesity Could Stop You from Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Obesity has long been an epidemic in the United States, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down; in 2019, the CDC found that more than one-third of American adults (36.5%) were overweight. You probably already know that excessive weight can lead to numerous health problems, but did you realize that it’s also one of the common causes of snoring in The Woodlands? Or that it can contribute to disorders like sleep apnea that could drastically shorten your life? Here’s what you need to know about obesity and the way it affects the quality of your sleep.

How Does Obesity Lead to Snoring?

The sound of snoring occurs when air has a hard time moving through your nose and throat, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate. As you gain weight, you lose muscle tone, and fatty tissues start to build up around your neck; in other words, you’re much more likely to snore. (Note that it’s excess weight around your neck or throat that can lead to issues even if the rest of your body isn’t overweight.)

How Is Obesity Linked to Sleep Apnea?

The fatty tissues that form when you’re overweight can collapse and block the airway altogether while you’re asleep. When this happens repeatedly, it’s a condition called sleep apnea. Your brain will constantly wake you up to try and get some oxygen, meaning you never reach the deeper restorative stages of sleep and tend to feel exhausted during the day. Over the long term, this condition can lead to deadly heart attacks and increase your risk for automobile accidents.

Of course, there are multiple risk factors for sleep apnea, and being overweight doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop a sleep disorder. That being said, about 40% of obese people also suffer from sleep apnea. If you suffer from weight problems and notice worrisome symptoms (excessive drowsiness, loud snoring, depression), you should see a sleep apnea dentist as soon as possible.

What Can You Do to Treat Sleep Apnea?

Naturally, if your particular case of sleep apnea is linked to obesity, then losing weight will often help treat your symptoms. A sleep apnea dentist may be able to point you in the direction of programs and other plans that can help you get your weight under control.

Other methods for treating your disorder and getting a good night’s sleep again include:

• Changing your sleeping position (for example, sleeping on your side instead of your back).
• Avoiding alcohol before bed.
• Wearing an oral appliance to keep the airway open.
• Using a CPAP machine to force air into your throat.

Again, it’s important to remember that sleep apnea can have multiple causes, so the right form of treatment depends on your situation. If you think your weight is affecting the quality of your sleep, or if you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, get in touch with a sleep apnea dentist in The Woodlands today!

About the Author

Dr. Robert Dernick is known as one of the most caring, experienced, and skilled dentists in The Woodlands. He has studied the field of sleep dentistry and is able to offer oral appliance therapy as a non-invasive treatment for sleep apnea. If you’re struggling with snoring or sleep apnea, contact Dr. Dernick to get a screening and learn your treatment options. Get in touch with him through his website or by calling (281) 363-2770.