Sleep Apnea and Weight Issues

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where there are pauses in breathing during sleep. These are defined medically when an individual literally stops breathing. Sleep apnea treatments are especially important for patients with a weight issue, as this is a serious disorder.

Obstructive sleep apnea is one type of apnea that is a common problem among the elderly and morbidly obese. An oxygen mask may be required so they can breathe. In the people who are excessively overweight, this is often due to their weight bearing down on their chest and crushing their rib cage and lungs.

According to medical reports the population at risk are obese middle-aged males since physiology doesn’t make women potential sufferers of sleep apnea. The problem is that people who do fall asleep due to sleep apnea will go through brief periods where people think they’re not going to wake up. This is very serious because if it’s not properly diagnosed it can be life threatening. People suffering with obesity constantly have to deal with frequent episodes of paused breathing. Snoring is a common problem with people who are overweight and constant gasping for air is another problem while sleeping. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be dangerous to the heart because of the deprivation of oxygen that keeps the circulation flowing efficiently.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Moodiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Noctoria (getting up in the middle of the night to urinate)
  • Increased urination
  • Decreased sexual drive
  • Increased heart rate
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Esophageal reflux (acid reflux disease)
  • Profuse heavy sweating at night.

Down’s Syndrome patients are likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea since 50% of the population with this genetic condition suffer with an enlarged head, adenoids, tonsils, tongue, and narrowing of the nasopharnyx.

Pharyngeal flap surgery has also caused sleep apnea in some patients because of the obstruction in the breathing pattern after surgery which if not monitored can be life threatening. There are different treatments for people with sleep apnea and doctors and ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) specialists take the following into consideration for designing a treatment plan for those who are diagnosed with this condition.

There are some factors to be considered and they are an individual’s medical history, severity of the disorder, and the specific cause for the obstruction. Some treatments also incorporate a lifestyle change, such as avoiding alcohol and medications that can relax the nervous system.

Other lifestyle changes can be made, such as quitting smoking and losing weight. Other considerations include elevating the individual for sleeping so that breathing is easier.

If someone is overweight and suffering from sleep apnea then a weight reduction plan should be implemented along with suitable sleep programs. Usually they will find within a short time frame of weight loss their condition will improve. Monitoring the food consumption and the exercise program will help maintain the weight loss which will improve sleep and breathing patterns.

 

Popularity: 50% [?]

Related posts:

  1. FactsYou Need Learn About Sleep Apnea If there is reduction or stoppage of breathing of a person while asleep, the diagnosis could be sleep apnea.Routine visits to the doctor, however, are...
  2. Know The Numbers: Statistics Surrounding Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects breathing during sleep. Apnea comes from a Greek word that stands for “want of breath.” Sleep apnea is...
  3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S) About Sleep Apnea And The Answers You Have Been Searching For There are many frequently asked questions when it comes to the sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea. Here we look at a few of the...
  4. Self-Help Sleep Improvement: How Can I Help Myself With Sleep Apnea? After being diagnosed with sleep apnea many patients wonder if there are any ways that they can help themselves health wise in regards to their...
  5. How Destructive Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? sleep disorder center Your snoring can be more than an annoyance to your partner. It can also be a sign of a serious sleep...