Sleep Apnea and Weight Problems
Sleep apnea causes there to be interruptions in a patient’s breathing during sleep. These are defined by medical terminology when an individual literally stops breathing. Sleep apnea treatments are especially important for patients with a weight issue, as this is a serious disorder.
Obstructive sleep apnea is one type of apnea that is a common problem among the morbidly obese and often in the elderly. It may require them to wear an oxygen mask so they can breathe. In the people who are excessively overweight, this is often due to their weight bearing down on their chest and putting pressure on their lungs.
Medical reports suggest the population at risk are obese middle-aged males since physiology doesn’t make women potential sufferers of sleep apnea. The problem is that people who do fall asleep due to sleep apnea will go through brief periods where people think they’re not going to wake up. This is very serious because if it’s not properly diagnosed it can be life threatening. People suffering with obesity constantly have to deal with frequent episodes of paused breathing. Snoring is a common problem with people who are overweight and constant gasping for air is another problem while sleeping. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be dangerous to the heart because of the deprivation of oxygen that keeps the circulation flowing efficiently.
Other symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Moodiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Noctoria (getting up in the middle of the night to urinate)
- Increased urination
- Decreased sexual drive
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Esophageal reflux (acid reflux disease)
- Profuse heavy sweating at night.
Individuals born with Down’s Syndrome are likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea since 50% of the population that have this genetic condition have an enlarged head, adenoids, tonsils, tongue, and narrowing of the nasopharnyx.
Pharyngeal flap surgery has also been noted to cause sleep apnea in patients because of the obstruction in the breathing pattern after surgery which if not monitored can be life threatening. For those who are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are many different treatments and doctors and ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) specialists take the following into consideration for designing a treatment plan.
There are some factors to be considered and they are an individual’s medical history, severity of the disorder, and the specific cause for the obstruction. Some treatments also incorporate a lifestyle change, such as avoiding alcohol and medications that can relax the nervous system.
Other lifestyle changes can be made, such as losing weight and quitting smoking. Other considerations include elevating the individual for sleeping so that breathing is easier.
If someone is suffering from sleep apnea and they are overweight then a weight reduction plan should be implemented along with suitable sleep programs. Usually they will find within a short time frame of weight loss their condition will improve. Monitoring the food consumption and the exercise program will help maintain the weight loss which will improve sleep and breathing patterns.
Related posts:
- FactsYou Need Learn About Sleep Apnea
- Sleep Apnea Represents An Extremely Widespread and Occasionally Dangerous Sleep Disorder
- The Health Issues Caused By Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- A Snore Pillow Might Be The Solution To Your Snoring Problems
- Do you Have A Snoring Problem