Bariatric Surgery May Not Reduce Sleep Apnea Symptoms

For very overweight people suffering from sleep apnea, the prospect of bariatric surgery seems like the best solution. Unfortunately, a new study from The American Journal of Medicine shows that weight loss surgery may not help people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that millions of people all over the country suffer from. The reason the dangers of sleep apnea are so severe is because it prevents the brain from getting the deep, rejuvenating sleep it needs to function properly.

The people most at risk for suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are overweight and older individuals. Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the soft throat tissues close up during sleep, preventing the oxygen from reaching the lungs. The brain temporarily awakes the body over and over throughout the night so you can breathe.

In the past, very overweight people thought that by correcting their weight problems with bariatric surgery, their sleep problems would also be eliminated. The new study now shows that weight loss surgery will help people lose large amounts of weight and lessen the number of sleep apnea episodes during the night, but it won't necessarily cure Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, please contact Gurnee, Illinois sleep dentist, Dr. Ira Shapira today to schedule a professional sleep evaluation.