Multiple studies have linked obesity to an increased risk of sleep apnea.
Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that increased
deposits of fat in one part of the body might contribute to sleep apnea symptoms:
the tongue.
The results of the Penn study found that obese subjects who
presented with sleep apnea symptoms tended to have larger tongues and more
tongue fat than obese patients who didn’t have the sleep disorder. The fat was
concentrated at the base of the tongue, which is situated at the opening of the
throat.
Results from the study didn't establish a causal relationship between
tongue fat and sleep
apnea. However, researchers did note that extra fat could make the tongue
lose muscle tone and collapse into the airway during sleep, obstructing proper
breathing.
Though an absolute relationship between “fat tongue” and
sleep apnea hasn’t been established, there are steps you can take to maintain
the tone of your tongue while you rest, including:
- Build up muscles in the tongue with simple at-home exercises
- Don’t overindulge in alcohol or sleeping aids
- Lose weight through healthy diet and a fitness regimen
Obesity has many adverse health effects, so talking to your
doctor about lifestyle modifications sooner than later could be a major benefit
for your overall health.
If you believe you’re suffering sleep apnea symptoms due to
excess fat or other causes, please contact a local sleep doctor
or call 1 (866) 727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) today for more
information.