Self Applied Methods: Weight Loss
Obesity is a common feature among the 12 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea. This is precisely because obesity compounds the primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea: the obstruction of the airway by tissues at the back of the throat. Obesity, unfortunately, also increases the threat presented by some of the same diseases as does sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition—it can be life threatening—that affects the heart and circulatory system, and which can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke and numerous other negative outcomes for those affected.
Losing weight may be the first thing your sleep physician recommends as a means of treating your sleep apnea. If you’re carrying extra weight, some of it is deposited in the tissues of the neck and the throat. Obesity also complicates any disorder. It makes it difficult to breathe, simply because of the weight of the body on the lungs and, combined with the interruptions in breathing characteristic of sleep apnea, it can make the situation markedly worse. Your first task will be to make some lifestyle changes that promote a healthy weight and good all-around health.
The first step is consulting with your doctor. Losing weight is a good thing but, as is the case with all of life, you can have too much of a good thing. You need to set realistic goals for your weight loss and you need to understand how you’re going to get there. You will need to have a diet worked out that provides your body with all the nutrients you need to get through the day. You don’t want to drop the pounds too quickly as this can be very dangerous. If you have specific dietary needs, these need to be addressed, as well.
Losing weight and treating sleep apnea have a rather synergistic relationship. If you’re using a dental appliance or a nCPAP device to help your sleep apnea, you’ll likely find that you have more energy to keep up with your physical routine from being better rested. As you get in better shape and your airway becomes larger as the fat burns away, you’ll get more benefit from your other apnea treatments. As long as you do it with a doctor’s supervision, there really is no downside to losing weight and getting in shape. It will also help you cope better with the moodiness that sometimes comes with sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea always needs to be evaluated by a doctor. This really is a matter of life and death. If you’re obese, as well, you’re at a higher risk for complications from this disorder. You may find that losing weight is the biggest challenge you face during your treatment. Losing weight can be one of the hardest things to do. You’ll find, however, that you’ll feel much improved all around the better your physical condition becomes and that keeping active will act as a natural way to help you get a good night’s sleep.
To learn more about Sleep Apnea treatments and to find out if they are right for you, contact Smile Studio LA at 818-788-1352 today for a free consultation!
