What sleep disorders is most strongly associated with obesity?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the airway is blocked or narrowed during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. These pauses can last for a few seconds to several minutes and can occur hundreds of times per night.
OSA is strongly associated with obesity, and the risk of OSA increases significantly with increasing body weight. This is because obesity can lead to the deposition of fat around the neck, which can narrow the airway and increase the risk of collapse during sleep.
Other factors that can contribute to OSA include:
* Large tongue or tonsils
* Small jaws or a receding chin
* Nasal congestion
* Allergies
* Smoking
* Alcohol use
* Certain medical conditions, such as heart failure and diabetes
Symptoms of OSA can include:
* Loud snoring
* Gasping or choking during sleep
* Daytime sleepiness
* Fatigue
* Difficulty concentrating
* Headaches
* Irritability
* Depression
If you think you may have OSA, it is important to see a doctor to get diagnosed and treated. Treatment options for OSA include:
* Weight loss
* Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
* Oral appliance therapy
* Surgery