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Sleep Apnea & Your Weight

Overweight? Sleep Apnea May Take a Toll

Controlling our weight is rarely easy to manage. Many people give up on eating well and working out if it becomes too inconvenient or uninteresting. Sometimes, our weight might not even be in our control as genetics can play a pivotal role in it.

As a surprise to many, being overweight or obese can affect how we sleep. Sleep apnea can especially affect our weight and make it much more difficult to lose. Insufficient sleep makes us more tired and groggy during that day which influences our daily activity and what we eat.

Both sleep apnea and obesity go hand-in-hand. It’s important to know that both can influence each other in various ways. Your sleep disorder can worsen over time or you may gain weight as a result of sleep apnea.

Losing Weight Can Help

Generally, doctors will suggest weight loss to anyone who is obese or overweight. Losing extra pounds can make you feel better about yourself as it:

  • Boosts your confidence
  • Decreases your risk of health complications
  • Improves your quality of sleep

Losing 10 percent of body weight can provide a huge relief from your sleep apnea symptoms. It reduces the associated health risks with sleep apnea, such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Strokes
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • High blood pressure

When suffering from sleep apnea, your physician may also suggest restricting your diet and increasing your exercise to help alleviate your symptoms. Weight loss has actually been found to improve symptoms of the disorder by 58 percent.

Improve Your Quality of Sleep

For many people, exercising is a tedious activity that doesn’t provide them with the immediate results they want. Some see working out as unenjoyable, pointless, or even uncomfortable if they’re not sure what to do.

There are countless exercises available to anyone who wants to commit and get into shape. Whether you’re simply trying to cut down on the scale or tone up with a fit physique, exercising can give you energy, confidence, and a better quality of sleep.

Effective, Enjoyable Workouts

Some fun workouts you may enjoy if you need to slim down to relieve your sleep apnea symptoms include:

  • Hiking
  • Jogging on the beach
  • Aerobics
  • Yoga
  • Dancing
  • Horseback riding
  • Martial arts or kickboxing
  • Play your favorite sport

Regain your energy through a simple, enjoyable exercise to help achieve a good night’s rest. No matter which workout you choose, a little each day will improve your overall health and well-being.

Begin a Healthy Regime

In addition to substantial exercise, maintaining a healthy diet can be a great aid for your weight loss.

Research has also found that the Mediterranean diet can greatly improve sleep apnea symptoms, as well as decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Plus, it’s a good diet for the heart and is enjoyable for many people with its highly-favorable foods.

It’s so easy, you just have to remember two simple tips:

  1. Limit your sugar and red meat intake
  2. Increase portions of fruits, vegetables, and grains

Once you get on a good routine of eating well and working out, you’ll find yourself to be much happier and vitalized throughout the day.

Live a Well-Balanced Life Today

Being cautious and aware of your weight can be a huge benefit to your sleep apnea and health. Discovering the connection between the two may be scary at first, but there are so many ways to help alleviate it.

If you still are looking for effective treatments for your sleep apnea, contact Dr. Ralhan today. He can offer you a customized oral appliance that works to clear your obstructed airway, as well as recommend alternative methods of treatment to help relieve your symptoms.

At our Oakville or Burlington offices, we always welcome new patients and appreciate referrals from family and friends. Call us today to schedule an appointment for yourself or any member of your family. We look forward to seeing you soon!

New Patients: 905-257-3368
Cornerstone Dental Patients: 905-355-7488
Oak Park Patients: 905-257-3368

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