{"id":84,"date":"2019-12-16T14:15:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T14:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thewoodlandssleepdentist.com\/blog\/?p=84"},"modified":"2020-02-04T23:38:49","modified_gmt":"2020-02-04T23:38:49","slug":"why-obesity-could-stop-you-from-getting-a-good-nights-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thewoodlandssleepdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/why-obesity-could-stop-you-from-getting-a-good-nights-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Obesity Could Stop You from Getting a Good Night\u2019s Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Snoring<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Obesity has long been an epidemic in the United States, and it\u2019s 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\u2019s also one of the common causes of snoring in The Woodlands? Or that it can contribute to disorders like sleep apnea<\/a> that could drastically shorten your life? Here\u2019s what you need to know about obesity and the way it affects the quality of your sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does Obesity Lead to Snoring?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sound of snoring occurs when air has a hard time moving\nthrough your nose and throat, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate. As\nyou gain weight, you lose muscle tone, and fatty tissues start to build up\naround your neck; in other words, you\u2019re much more likely to snore. (Note that\nit\u2019s excess weight around your neck or throat that can lead to issues even if the\nrest of your body isn\u2019t overweight.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Is Obesity Linked to Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fatty tissues that form when you\u2019re overweight can collapse and block the airway altogether while you\u2019re asleep. When this happens repeatedly, it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are multiple risk factors for sleep apnea,\nand being overweight doesn\u2019t guarantee that you\u2019ll develop a sleep disorder. That\nbeing said, about 40% of obese people also suffer from sleep apnea. If you\nsuffer from weight problems and notice worrisome symptoms (excessive\ndrowsiness, loud snoring, depression), you should see a sleep apnea dentist as\nsoon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Treat Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

Other methods for treating your disorder and getting a good\nnight\u2019s sleep again include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n