Sleep Apnea Weight Gain – How Do People With Sleep Apnea Gain Weight?
Is there such a thing as sleep apnea weight gain? That means gaining weight because you have sleep apnea. People are asking this question. Science has an answer. Read this article to find out what is the answer and what can you do if you are in this particular situation.
As you probably know, sleep apnea (SA) is a medical condition which is characterized by interruptions of the breathing, these periods when the person stops breathing ranging from a few seconds to a minute. In this can happen many times during the night. Because of this blockage in breathing the sufferer wakes up frequently during the night.
People go through five stages during their sleep:
- Stage 1: Drowsiness
- Stage 2: Light Sleep
- Stage 3: Deep Sleep
- Stage 4: Slow-Wave Deep Sleep
- Stage 5: REM (Rapid eye movement)
Due to the waking up so many times during the time the apnea suffer can’t get into the deep sleep stages, and especially into REM.
The result of sleep apnea is a poor quality sleep and also a shorter actual time spent in deep, replenishing sleep. Several studies undergone have shown that a lack of sleep is connected with obesity.
And now, regarding the sleep apnea weight gain, to explain how people with SA gain weight we have to consider the effect of hormones.
One hormone, called ghrelin, is in charge with boosting the appetite and stopping the loss of weight. Studies have revealed that a lack of sleep leads to an increase of this hormone.
There is another hormone, leptin, which suppresses the appetite. In persons who suffer from sleeplessness this hormone decreases and so, by this double action, people are left to the mercies of a greedy appetite and an inability to lose weight, even when dieting and exercising.
That is the simple explanation for the sleep apnea weight gain. So, the answer is clear: there is a connection between apnea and weight gain and the mechanism is just the one described. This information is very important.
Now, if you are caught in this vicious circle, what can you do? To lose weight you should sleep better. It is recommended sleeping at least 7 hours per night. And in order to have a deep, uninterrupted sleep you need to sort out the sleep apnea. People who have been treated for SA have lost weight even if prior to treating this sleeping disorder they were unsuccessful dieting and exercising.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Can uterine fibroids cause weight gain?
I have a follow up appt with my doctor on Friday to determine if he found uterine fibroids. I just wanted to know if weight gain is a side effect. I’ve noticed in the past year I have had some weight gain but I have not changed any part of my lifestyle including my diet. If anything I eat a little less and healthier. Does anyone know about this?-
ANSWER:
I think the fibroids in themselves can sometimes get quite large and heavy. It might also pay to get your ovaries investigated for Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome, which can cause weight gain.
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QUESTION:
weight gain.?
I have put on about 15 pounds in the last year. I have fibroids in my uterus, that I just found out are good size. I am suppose to have surgery on them. How do I get this extra weight off, I feel so fat and unatractive. Plus I have been really depressed and tired. My hormones are all messed up. I have two little boys, so it has been hard dealing with all of this. Has anyone been through this? My hair is even different . I am only 31. Any help-
ANSWER:
I would talk to the doctor first since you have some medical issues that you’ve just mentioned. You may want to wait till after sugury to worry about the weight. The doctor may suggest the same thing. Also ask about seeing a nutritionist.
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QUESTION:
Hi. I am female and aged 28. In 2001 I was diagnosed as having fibroids. I am battling with my weight.?
I have a very reasonable diet and go to the gym often. However, regardless of my effort I just seem to be gaining weight fast. In the past month alone i have put on about three kilos which is about 6 pounds. I have done some personal research and it appears that fibroids can cause weight gain. Can you help. My weight gain is really begining to upset me. Since 2003 I have been of the pill and now my period pain as well seems to be coming back. Any idea whats happening to me.-
ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
Hormone imbalance?
How quickly do hormone imbalance symptoms appear? My doctor thinks that I have an issue with this but I don’t go back until July 7. I haven’t had any testing done and he is basing his conclusion on the fact I haven’t had a period since May 4. (All pregnancy tests negative – and I dont feel preggo so I don’t think its that).Here are some of the symptoms I have found by searching online…I dont have ANY of them.
• Allergy symptoms
• Depression, fatigue and anxiety
• Endometriosis
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Hair loss and facial hair growth
• Headaches, dizziness and foggy thinking
• Low sex drive
• Osteoporosis
• PMS
• Urinary tract infections and incontinence
• Uterine fibroids
• Weight gain, water retention and bloating
• Wrinkly skin
I haven’t had a period since May 4. No symptoms of anything like this and yes, my period was always extremely normal. 29 day cycles, month to month for about 15 years. Even when I got on the pill, which was a year ago, I only stopped taking it because I missed my period – doctors orders. But my period should have come on June 1. I am now about 24 days late. (Next period due June 30).
Thanks logical, but I was on the pill for the past year and regular before and during the time I took the pill. I am just trying to find out how long it takes to notice symptoms of a hormone imbalance since the doctor is so sure thats what it is. (He thinks that as of June 16).-
ANSWER:
There’s alot of reasons period can be late or go missing, and often taking birth control or some other med can help. Don’t worry too much about it.
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QUESTION:
Are fibroids hereditary?
My mother had three large fibroids removed when she was 50.I am 42 and believe I may have the same thing.I had heavy cycles which were severely painful with heavy clotting.I haven’t had a cycle in 8 months.My doctor told me that it was due to premenopause.Alot has happened in my life this past year with deaths of family members,stress,weight gain and a loved one fighting a war overseas.I know I’m getting up there in age but I haven’t lived a hard life and I don’t look or feel old.( this is serious, no mean comments please.)-
ANSWER:
Hi,
Doctors are not sure what causes fibroids. But the female hormones estrogen and progesterone seem to make them grow. Your body makes the highest levels of these hormones during the years when you have periods.Your body makes less of these hormones after you stop having periods (menopause). Fibroids usually shrink after menopause and stop causing symptoms.
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