As one of Perth's leading sleep apnea clinics, we speak to and treat thousands of people who are struggling with undiagnosed sleep apnea. Often this undiagnosed condition comes with an array of seemingly unrelated health issues. One that people often do not know about is the strong connection between sleep apnea and difficulty with weight loss. In this article we will discuss how sleep apnea can cause weight gain and an inability to lose it.
Sleep apnea, a condition that is characterised by regular interruptions of breathing during sleep, has been increasingly recognised as a potential factor that influences appetite and hunger. The relationship between sleep apnea and hunger is multifaceted. When you've experienced disrupted sleep due to an apnea episode, it can lead to a cascade of hormonal imbalances.
This hormonal imbalance specifically relates to ghrelin and leptin levels, the hormones that control appetite. When you do not get a good night’s sleep, the hunger hormone ghrelin tends to increase, leading to uncontrollable cravings and hunger. However, Leptin, the hormone responsible for signalling fullness and satiety decreases, which leaves you wanting more food. This hormonal cascade creates a scenario where if you have untreated sleep apnea, you may feel a heightened sense of hunger, particularly for carbohydrate-rich and calorie-dense foods.
What a dilemma!
So, here is the dilemma: are you struggling with your weight because you have untreated sleep apnoea or do you have sleep apnoea because you are overweight? This is a common question our patients struggle to answer. Unfortunately, until you’ve treated your sleep apnea it can be hard to know the underlying cause.
One of the most common and effective treatments for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air through a mask, preventing airway collapse during sleep. This intervention not only helps maintain open airways but also contributes to improved sleep quality which can lead to a reduction in food cravings.
The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should always be tailored to its underlying causes, and weight management can play a pivotal role in addressing sleep apnea. However, like we've just learnt, sleep apnea has the potential to cause cravings which make it harder to lose weight. However, once controlled, individuals with sleep apnea related to obesity who lose as little as 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms.
As Perth’s leading sleep apnea clinic we have seen on countless occasions the connection between the inability to lose weight and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can affect your cravings and food choices through hormonal imbalances caused by a lack of sleep. If you've tried everything to lose weight but can't seem to find the solution, maybe it's time to talk to your doctor and investigate sleep apnea.