Sleep apnea is a common disorder affecting Americans, and many are living with this condition undiagnosed! This condition occurs in two forms; central and obstructive sleep apnea. You can describe it as a sleep disorder that occurs when your airway gets blocked while sleeping, causing you to wake up throughout the night. Sleep apnea leads to many consequences. But can sleep apnea cause weight gain?
Carry on reading to learn the relationship between sleep apnea and weight gain. If you suspect you have this disorder, you can opt for diagnostic services to confirm.
Does Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?
Obstructive sleep apnea may contribute to obesity and weight gain. Many people living with obesity also suffer from sleep apnea. Moreover, many sleep apnea patients have obesity. Hence, one can say sleep apnea and weight gain are somehow related. You can receive expert sleep apnea treatment to deal with the consequences.
Sleep apnea and weight gain are caught in an endless loop, where one factor eventually leads to another. In short, sleep can end up causing weight gain, and obesity can lead to sleep apnea. But how can sleep apnea cause weight gain? Here are a few reasons:
- Causes Low Energy Levels & Chronic Fatigue
We need a good night’s sleep to function properly. So when you don’t sleep restfully for months or years on end, it’s bound to have consequences. Sleep apnea can cause low energy levels. Furthermore, it can make you feel chronically tired.
Low energy levels can result in poorly prioritized tasks. Thus, you may not find the energy to go grocery shopping or cook. Moreover, you will be too tired to hit the gyms. In the end, you might settle for junk food or drive-through. These factors are enough to result in weight gain. - Slows Down Your Metabolism
Poor sleep quality and restless nights make you less active. Consequently, your metabolism slows down, and you become inactive. You’re less likely to burn calories when you’re sitting. Therefore, sleep apnea leads to not participating in activities and sitting for lower periods, which can cause weight gain. You may gain weight even if you aren’t eating anything! - Leads to Hormonal Changes
Not receiving enough sleep has multiple bad outcomes. You experience sleep deprivation since the obstructed breathing makes it difficult to rest. In addition, you may fail to reach the sleep level in which your hormones are regulated. As a result, you may experience hormonal imbalance and weight gain. People suffering from this condition may even find it difficult to lose weight.
To explain it further, the production of the hormone leptin gets interrupted if you don’t sleep enough. The hormone leptin informs your stomach when you are full after eating. And, the cherry on top, the production of ghrelin — or the hunger hormone — increases. In simple words, you eat more due to increased hunger. Simultaneously, sleep apnea can cause you to gain weight this way.
What to do?
In conclusion, sleep apnea can cause weight gain and vice versa. You can manage the condition with various treatments and lifestyle changes, depending on your condition. Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness is just a few digits away at (832) 952-1199.