This week is National Healthy Weight Week!
Did you know that the amount of sleep you get at night could affect your weight? Getting enough sleep can regulate hormones that control your appetite. You’ll eat fewer calories overall when you sleep for 7-9 hours compared to when you don’t get enough sleep.
Having a healthy weight is vital for your overall health and well-being. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, if you are overweight or obese, you’re at a higher risk of developing severe health problems. These health problems range from heart disease to breathing disorders and many more.
Sleep Apnea
WebMD states that the most common cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is excess weight and obesity. When you’re sleeping at night, the throat and tongue muscles relax, and the soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked. Childhood obesity can also cause OSA, but it’s much less commonly associated with the condition than compared to adult obesity.
The Obesity Medicine Association discusses in one of their articles about how obesity is the only genuine reversible risk factor for OSA. Roughly 70% of adult OSA patients are obese. The higher the Body Mass Index (BMI), the greater the prevalence. They state in the article that the treatment of OSA with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) has shown benefits in both lowering blood pressure and improving quality of life!
A Healthier YOU
If you or someone you know suffers from obesity and shows any signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea, they should see their healthcare provider right away. Their provider can help figure out what treatment would be best. There’s a complex relationship between obesity and OSA. Losing weight can improve OSA and treating OSA can help with weight loss.
There are many steps you can take to start living a healthier life, which will also help with weight loss. Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, make healthy choices when eating, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, make a solid bedtime routine, and aim to get between 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Making small changes will add up over time. In the end, you’ll have the happiest and healthiest version of yourself!
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