Obesity can cause obstructive sleep apnea through a number of physiological and pathological mechanisms.
This article is expertly advised by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Department of Digestive Surgery, Central Military Hospital 108.
When is sleep apnea considered?
Sleep apnea is considered when there is a blockage or reduction in airflow through the airway for at least 10 seconds and usually occurs at least five times during an hour of sleep.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
– Loud snoring: Loud and continuous snoring is a common sign.
– Temporary cessation of breathing: Sometimes others may notice a temporary cessation of breathing while you are sleeping.
– Waking up many times during the night: The feeling of waking up many times during the night or feeling tired even though you’ve had enough sleep.
Feeling tired during the day: Feeling sleepy and tired during the day, having difficulty concentrating or being irritable.
– Difficulty breathing at night: Feeling short of breath, short of breath, or feeling like there isn’t enough oxygen while sleeping.
Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help open your airways and reduce snoring. Image: Pexels
Obesity causes sleep apnea
– Fat accumulation around the neck: Excess fat accumulation around the neck and throat can put pressure on the airways, narrowing or blocking the airways, leading to apnea during sleep.
– Excess fat in the chest and abdomen: Excess fat in the chest and abdomen can reduce the ability of the lungs to expand and cause difficulty in breathing, leading to apnea.
– Muscular factors: Excess fat can weaken the muscles around the airways, making them more likely to contract and cause blockage as air passes through, leading to cessation of breathing.
Risk of sleep apnea
– Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Sleep apnea can lead to increased blood pressure, arrhythmia, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
– Sleep quality disorders: Feeling of not getting enough rest can affect overall health and quality of life.
– Increased risk of diabetes: Associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
– Increased risk of accidents: Fatigue and lack of concentration during the day can increase the risk of traffic accidents and other incidents.
How to limit apnea during sleep
– Weight loss: Weight loss can help reduce excess fat around the neck and abdomen, reduce pressure on the airways and improve sleep apnea.
– Change your sleeping position: Sleeping on your side instead of sleeping on your back can help open your airways and reduce snoring.
– Using a cpap machine: A cpap (continuous positive airway pressure) machine helps maintain an open airway by providing continuous air pressure through a mask.
Avoid alcohol and sedatives: Avoid alcohol and sedatives, as they can relax respiratory muscles and worsen sleep apnea.
Allergy treatment: If you have allergies that block your airways, treating allergy symptoms may help relieve apnea.
– Practice healthy sleep habits: Maintain regular sleep habits, create a comfortable sleeping environment and avoid eating large meals or drinking a lot of water before bed.
– Consult your doctor: If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, consult your doctor for appropriate testing and treatment. Sometimes, sleep tests may be performed to assess the severity of the condition and establish a treatment plan.