Sleep apnea and your weight

Stephen Anthony, MD, is medical director of the Banner Thunderbird Sleep Disorders Center.

Question: No matter how many hours I sleep, I never feel rested. I’ve heard that weight can impact the quality of a person’s sleep. I admit that I could stand to lose a few pounds, but could weight really be the root of my sleep problems?  

Answer: It may be surprising, but weight does play a role in sleep quality. In fact, sleep apnea is one disorder that is often correlated to excess weight. While it is most common among middle-aged men, sleep apnea affects an estimated 10 to 18 percent of the population. 

Sleep apnea results when the airway collapses during sleep causing intermittent periods when a person literally stops breathing. This lack of adequate air supply disrupts the sleep cycle and hinders the body from getting the rest it needs.

While weight is usually a factor, there are also anatomical causes including things like a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, an enlarged tongue and certain facial features like a small or recessed jaw.

Since sleep apnea affects an individual while sleeping, those who suffer are often unaware that they have the condition. While they know they are constantly tired and never feel well rested, they don’t usually know why. In most cases, it is the person’s significant other who brings signs and symptoms to a doctor’s attention. Gurgling noises and gasping while sleeping or constant restlessness and tossing and turning are common signs.

When a doctor suspects sleep apnea, a sleep study is almost always the first step. The patient spends the night in a sleep lab where staff can monitor the sleep cycle, identify the problem and test treatment methods. The number one treatment method is a device known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that it worn while sleeping. There are also surgical options and dental devices that may be prescribed, but these treatment methods have not proven as successful as a combination of weight loss and use of a CPAP machine. 

Most people with sleep troubles have a difficult time losing weight. And, since weight loss is one of the key steps toward improving sleep quality, it’s a vicious cycle. When a CPAP or other device helps a person sleep, he or she is better prepared to implement a successful weight loss routine that ensures more restful nights and improves overall health.