Does Obesity Cause Sleep Apnea?

If you’re a person with sleep apnea, or you have a sleep partner with this condition, you may have heard that being overweight contributes to it. So, if you or your partner need to lose weight, you may be thinking that the sleep apnea is the fault of the person, and that going on a diet may be all that’s needed. There are problems with that theory, though, as your Burlington, MA dentist can tell you.

What is Obstructed Sleep Apnea?

One of the most common forms of sleep apnea is called OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. This is when the airway is obstructed, either fully or partially, during sleep. This type may be because of excess fat around the neck and throat, which can add pressure to the airway, making the passage where oxygen is supposed to flow, narrower and constricted.

What is Central Sleep Apnea?

Central sleep apnea, or CSA, happens when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

What is Complex Sleep Apnea?

This form is a combination of CSA and OSA. It’s commonly called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, although that’s not the part you should be concerned about.

The Problem With Thinking Obesity is Causing Your Sleep Apnea

First, you can’t diagnose the underlying cause of your sleep apnea. Only a professional can accurately do that. Second, let’s be honest about dieting. How many diets have you tried and failed over the years, if you’re overweight? It can be months or years before you’re able to lose weight. So while you’re beating yourself up over those carbs you had at lunch, meanwhile the sleep apnea continues and threatens your health. The sleep apnea needs to be treated separately from any weight issue.

If you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, know that sleep apnea treatment in Burlington, MS is available. Contact Advanced Dental Care to learn more.