Lack of Sleep May Increase Sleep Apnea Risks

A study appearing in the July 2013 issue of the journal SLEEP has found that participants who slept four hours per night were more likely to gain weight than those who slept ten. The study, conducted in the Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, confirmed what previous studies have found as regards sleep deprivation and weight gain, but the researchers were surprised at the significant amount of weight gained in the participants who slept fewer hours.

A Dangerous Cycle

Obesity is a risk factor for sleep apnea, but sleep apnea interrupts sleep, making it a risk factor for obesity as well. This allows these two conditions to aggravate one another, causing further issues and increasing your risk for serious medical problems. If you have a weight issue and are having troubles sleeping, talking to your doctor about your options is vital to your health.

Sleep apnea treatment may include things such as orthotic devices to keep your airways open and lifestyle changes to increase your overall health. In addition, getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy diet is often a part of sleep apnea treatment. In many cases as these things increase your general health and help you lose weight they also decrease sleep apnea symptoms and assist in a restful a complete night’s sleep. Your sleep doctor will be able to discuss this with you in more detail during your sleep apnea consultation.

To learn more about treating sleep apnea, please contact I Hate CPAP today to find an experienced sleep physician in your area.