Study Shows Lack of Sleep May Prevent Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss

Have you recently had a baby and are now trying to lose some of weight you gained during pregnancy? A new study performed by Kaiser Permanente has shown that a good night’s sleep is just as important as diet and exercise for women trying to lose those difficult extra pounds after giving birth.

Unfortunately for many women, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) prevents them from getting the deep, restful sleep they need to successfully lose the extra weight. Sleep dentists like Dr. Ira Shapira in Gurnee, Illinois can help women diagnose and treat their sleep apnea, but they need to schedule a sleep evaluation first.

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that occurs when the soft tissues in the throat close temporarily during sleep, preventing the lungs from getting the air they need. When this happens, the brain wakes and forces the body to open the airway, giving you the necessary oxygen.

When the body is constantly waking up to allow you to receive oxygen, you don't get the rest you need and the body doesn’t function correctly. The result is an increased chance of high blood pressure, weight gain, and exhaustion among other sleep apnea dangers.

If you believe that sleep apnea is preventing you or your sleep partner from losing the post-pregnancy weight they want, please contact experienced Gurnee, Illinois sleep dentist, Dr. Ira Shapira to schedule a sleep evaluation.

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.

Men May Be More Likely To Develop Sleep Apnea

We have all heard family members, friends, and sleeping partners snore away at night, but for the most part men snore a bit more than women. One of the reasons experienced sleep dentists and scientists believe men snore more than women is testosterone.

Men are exposed to testosterone for their entire lives and as a result, their throats and necks are more developed than women. This means men's chances of snoring and developing sleep disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is more likely than women.

Snoring occurs when the soft tissues of the throat close during sleep; when air moves past these tissues into the lungs, creates a vibrating sound, commonly referred to as snoring. Snoring is also a common sleep apnea symptom.

Sleep is one of the most vital parts of your life because it allows your body and mind to rejuvenate. When you suffer from sleep apnea, your body and brain are not allowed to reach the deep, necessary sleep you need. Sleep apnea temporarily closes your airways, preventing the lungs from receiving oxygen. As a result, the brain momentarily wakes the body so you can get the needed oxygen.

Sleep apnea can be dangerous because the body loses its ability to repair itself, stressing it over time. Some of the biggest dangers of sleep apnea include a higher risk of blood clots, obesity, and diabetes.

If you believe that you, your husband, or any other male in your family is suffering from serious snoring or sleep apnea, please contact Gurnee, Illinois sleep dentist, Dr. Ira Shapira to schedule your sleep evaluation.

New Symptoms Point To Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep apnea can have a huge affect on the health of adults, but when the dangers of sleep apnea are directed at children, the results can be devastating. Overweight children are still developing, and sleep apnea can stress their bodies, putting them at an even greater risk of sleep apnea symptoms.

According to a new study, children who are overweight and wet the bed may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. After performing sleep studies on control and sleep apnea suffering children, the study showed that both bedwetting and being overweight can be associated with sleep apnea but the two not associated with each other.

The data from the study showed that there is a significant association between overweight children, bedwetting, and obstructive sleep apnea. Scientists are unsure of why this association exists, but they suggest doctors examine the possibility of children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea if an overweight child is also suffering from bedwetting; especially if they are also suffering from other sleep apnea symptoms.

Researchers claim that a child who suffers from bedwetting is five times more likely to have sleep apnea. While unrelated, a child who suffers from being overweight is four times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.

If you live in the Illinois area and you suspect that your child or other family member is suffering from sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Ira Shapira, Gurnee, Illinois sleep dentist to schedule a professional sleep apnea examination.