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.