Does Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?

In the U.S. alone, about 30 million people have sleep apnea - but only 6 million get treated for it. If you have sleep apnea and aren't getting it treated, you may be at risk of serious medical conditions. Many of these health concerns are also related to weight gain.

But which comes first, sleep apnea or gaining weight? It turns out the relationship between the two is complicated. How are the two connected? And more importantly, how can you treat both issues for a better, healthier you?

The Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain

In short: yes, sleep apnea can cause weight gain. However, the relationship between the two is complex. While sleep apnea can cause weight gain, existing weight issues can contribute to sleep apnea.

When you gain weight, tissues in the soft palate may collapse. When an upper airway collapse occurs, an apnea event happens.

That means you stop breathing. Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, you may stop and start breathing dozens of times an hour.

Untreated Sleep apnea can cause extreme fatigue. When it takes all of your energy to get through the day, your desire (and energy) to exercise can be severely reduced.

Basically, it's an exhausting cycle, where sleep apnea affects weight gain, and weight gain affects sleep apnea. As a result, breaking the cycle can be difficult.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to many serious diseases. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, and even a shorter life.

Most sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. Less common is central sleep apnea, which is when your brain fails to signal your muscles to breathe.

Treating Your Sleep Apnea

The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. A CPAP machine is a device that delivers steady air pressure to help you breathe while sleeping. It uses a hose connected to either a face mask or nosepiece, which attaches to your face.

There are a variety of CPAP machines. Some auto-adjust the air pressure, some have fixed pressure, and some are even designed to be small and portable for travel. Talk to your doctor to find out what CPAP machine is for you.

Solving the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain

Weight gain can be a contributing factor to sleep apnea. Likewise, sleep apnea can be a contributing factor to weight gain. However, by treating your sleep apnea you can restore your quality of life and gain back your energy. That in turn can give you the energy to get moving and start exercising.

The first step is to see a doctor or sleep clinic to get a diagnosis. After that, it's time to start shopping for a CPAP.

Need help finding the right CPAP machine or supplies for you? Call our experts at (800) 274-1366, or send us a message.