Mystery Weight Gain? Sleep Apnea Could Be the Culprit

Have you been struggling to shed pounds or noticing the scale creep up despite no change in your diet or activity levels? Your sleep might be to blame. A growing body of research from trusted institutions, like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggests that sleep apnea and weight gain are closely connected. But which comes first: the extra pounds or the poor sleep? The answer may surprise you!

How Sleep Apnea May Contribute to Weight Gain

Poor sleep affects your body’s ability to regulate key hormones that control hunger and metabolism. When you’re not sleeping well, levels of ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”) increase, while leptin (the hormone that creates a sense of fullness) decreases.

At the same time, chronic fatigue makes it harder to exercise and stay active, slowing down your metabolism. This, combined with late-night cravings brought on by the change in your hormones, creates a perfect storm for gradual weight gain that can go unnoticed until it’s staring you in the face.

The Cycle of Sleep and Weight

Unfortunately, the relationship goes both ways. Gaining weight, especially around your neck and upper body, can make sleep apnea worse by narrowing your airway. This creates a frustrating cycle—poor sleep leads to weight gain, which leads to even poorer sleep.

Breaking this cycle often requires addressing your health in a holistic way. That means tackling both your diet and your sleep hygiene at the same time.

How to Fight Back Against Sleep Apnea

While the issue of your health can feel like a “chicken or the egg” problem, sleep apnea is treatable in ways that don’t require exceptional discipline. Getting your condition under control can give you more energy to manage other aspects of your health, like your diet and exercise routine. Here’s what you can do to jumpstart your recovery:

• Get evaluated by a physician who specializes in sleep medicine if you suspect sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, you can get treatment from your sleep dentist.
• Visit your sleep dentist to discuss an oral appliance, which gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open.
• Work on your sleep hygiene by being consistent with bedtimes, putting screens away at least 30 minutes before bed, and keeping your room dark and cool.
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s light activity, to boost energy and metabolism.
• Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated throughout the day.

When sleep and metabolism are both in balance, it’s easier to maintain a healthy weight and feel refreshed and energized.

Sleep apnea doesn’t just make you tired—it can make it harder to reach your health goals. By treating the condition early, you’ll not only sleep better but also give your body the rest it needs to keep your body happy and healthy.

About the Practice

Your trusted dentists in The Woodlands, Dr. Robert Dernick and Dr. Dan Dernick, focus on identifying and treating sleep-related breathing issues that may affect your overall health. With personalized solutions and modern care, they help patients sleep better and feel their best. Call (281) 783-3419 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation with us or visit our website to explore a full menu of services.