Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the soft tissue in the back of the throat to collapse and close, effectively blocking the airways. This condition causes the sleep to intermittently struggle for breath and partially get up to resume breathing.
Sleep apnea leads to haphazard sleep patterns, with snoring and fatigue as its common side effects. But the more severe side effects include total cessation of cessation of breathing, cardiac arrhythmias, and low blood oxygen levels. Fortunately, weight loss through bariatric surgery is one of the sustainable ways to treat sleep apnea.
The remarkable Dr. Wiljon Beltre, who is board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery, is an experienced and sensational bariatric surgeon providing weight loss surgeries to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and other cities and suburbs in this part of the country.
Link between Obesity and Sleep Apnea
Research studies now indicate that there could be an active and progressive relationship between obesity and sleep apnea. The airway of an obese individual is more likely to be obstructed by large tonsils, an enlarged tongue, and increased neck fat. These put extra pressure on the throat muscles during sleep, contributing to sleep apnea.
In one of the studies, researchers found that men with a neck circumference of 17 inches or more, and women with a neck circumference of 16 inches or more are significantly more likely to have sleep apnea than individuals with smaller necks. With the help of bariatric surgery, a patient suffering from obesity and sleep apnea can gain relief from the condition as the weight loss slowly occurs following the surgery.
New research also points towards a reverse link between obesity and sleep apnea. According to some researchers, sleep apnea may contribute to obesity in various ways. To begin with, fatigue makes it difficult for a patient to maintain a good fitness regimen. Sleep deprivation may lead to increased appetite because the psychological manifestations of fatigue, sleep, and hunger are often similar.
Finally, lack of sleep can also impair metabolism and disrupt the hormone levels that control appetite. Therefore, sleep apnea affects the body’s ability to process glucose and create insulin disorders, which can be at the root of certain obesity problems. In these indirect ways, sleep apnea can contribute to obesity.
Weight Loss Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Following bariatric surgery, as the weight loss process is triggered, it often becomes one of the first steps in moderating sleep apnea. The respiratory function improves after weight loss surgery. Patients report in many cases that their sleep apnea starts reducing and the sleep patterns become healthier.
Although sleep apnea symptoms may not quickly diminish, and traditional treatments may have to be continued at first, but over time as fat tissue deposits around the neck reduce, the blockages causing sleep apnea may also decrease. This, in turn, triggers a positive feedback loop of good health and good sleep. Finely tuned and committed bariatric surgeon Dr. Beltre receives patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and other communities and neighborhoods in this part of the fantastic and amazing state of Florida.
Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.
To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.
Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.
