Maintain a Healthy Weight
Sleep apnea can seriously impact one’s health, leading to memory problems and an increased risk of developing debilitating medical conditions. However, by maintaining a healthy weight, an individual can help reduce the severity of their sleep apnea or even eliminate it altogether.
Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway during sleep. When this happens, the body is unable to get the oxygen it needs, which can wake you up multiple times throughout the night. Obese individuals are more likely to have sleep apnea because excess fat deposits in the neck can collapse the airway. Studies reveal that losing at least 10 percent of body weight can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea by 50%.
Not only does obesity make an individual more likely to develop sleep apnea, but it can also make the condition worse. Obese people with sleep apnea are more likely to have higher blood pressure and more difficulty concentrating than non-obese individuals. They also found that obesity-related inflammation may play a role in worsening sleep apnea symptoms. Losing weight through healthy measures can help improve the condition.
