Imagine trying to get through your day while constantly being interrupted. Frustrating, right? That's what sleep apnea does to your nights. Sleep apnea interrupts your breathing while you are sleeping. These interruptions are enough to wake you up multiple times in a single night. Doesn't matter how complex it seems, sleep apnea is a common condition and is known to affect about a billion adults around the world. Not only does it ruin your sleep, but it also affects your health in many ways, notably your metabolism.
In this article, we’ll explore how sleep apnea affects your metabolism and contributes to weight gain, and we’ll also look at solutions to manage this condition.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much. The relaxed muscles block the airways and cause you to snore loudly. This blockage interrupts the normal exchange of gasses between your surroundings and your lungs. Your body doesn't get the oxygen needed for proper functioning. Therefore, most people with OSA feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.
The other type is central sleep apnea (CSA). This condition occurs when your brain doesn't send the right signals to your breathing muscles. Compared to the OSA, CSA is much less common and is often found to be associated with underlying diseases, such as old episodes of stroke.
Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, most suffer from the condition without even knowing that they have it. Symptoms include,
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring or feeling tired. It’s a serious condition that can lead to other health issues if not managed properly. Therefore, if you or someone you know suffers from this condition, it's time to seek professional advice. Early diagnosis of the condition can save you from many troubling complications of this condition.
The Basics of Metabolism
Before discussing the complex science of how sleep apnea affects metabolism, we should also know the basics of metabolism.
The metabolism is similar to the motor that supplies the power for your body’s functioning. It uses the nutrients you consume in foods and beverages to produce energy. Even when you're at rest, your metabolism is at work. It ultimately powers your heart, lungs, and other organs.
Think of it like this, "A high metabolism is like having a fast car that burns fuel quickly, while a low metabolism is more like a fuel-efficient car."
Healthy metabolic processes are involved in maintaining a healthy body weight. It determines how fast one metabolizes energy and how the fats and carbohydrates, among other nutrients, are utilized. Therefore, When your metabolism is out of balance, it can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
The Link Between Sleep Apnea, Metabolism, and Weight Gain
Multiple sleep interruptions during a single night can make your metabolism sluggish. These interruptions also do not allow your body to progress to restorative stages of sleep, which is important for recovery. This disturbs the normal hormonal balance, resulting in high cortisol levels.
The stress that comes with sleep apnea and high cortisol levels results in insulin resistance. It is a condition that hampers the body's ability to burn sugar for energy. Therefore, The leftover calories are stored as fatty tissue, resulting in weight gain.
Research has indicated that people with sleep apnea have higher amounts of ghrelin, a hormone that makes you feel hungry. The affected people also have low levels of leptin, which gives you a feeling of satiety or fullness.
In simple words, people with sleep apnea always remain hungry and never experience the feeling of fullness. In return, they eat much more than others of the same age. It's like your body is stuck in a cycle of craving more food and not knowing when to stop. The higher caloric intake thus results in significant weight gain.
When you have poor sleep quality, your body does not get to rest. It impacts your entire energy system, and you become exhausted, which minimizes your chances of engaging in physical activities. Since the body is not as physically engaged as it used to be, the burning of calories is reduced, leading to an increase in weight.
How to Manage Sleep Apnea to Improve Metabolism?
Sleep apnea does not mean you cannot regain your metabolism again. Several methods can help you revitalize your health.
Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most frequent treatment. You wear a mask to breathe continuously throughout the night while sleeping. While it may seem annoying and tedious for some at first, it is a complete life changer for many.
Other factors include changes in lifestyle since they can have a huge impact. Reduction of sleep apnea can be observed by losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise.
You can also make small changes in your sleeping habits. For example, instead of sleeping straight like a log, try sleeping on your side this time. You should also avoid using electronics – TVs and lamps - before bed. Keeping your bedroom's environment cool and without any illumination also helps to have a high quality of sleep.
If you need additional help, Pillow can come in handy. This sleep-tracking application is designed to help you overcome insomnia while providing valuable details on your night’s performance.
People with sleep apnea should consult their doctor for treatment immediately if they develop symptoms or think they have the condition. A doctor can explain a correct diagnosis and give a proper management plan.
Remember, managing sleep apnea not only improves your sleep but also boosts your metabolism and aids in weight loss. ´
