Weight Gain & Retention |
Symptoms of an Obstructed Airway

Sleep apnea and the lack of restful sleep have a direct link to weight gain, obesity and the inability to lose weight.   

When your body does not receive the rest it needs, it increases the production of Ghrelin, which is the hormone that makes you feel hungry.  Your body also produces less Leptin, which is the hormone that makes you feel satiated. So your hormones are telling your body it is hungry and never satiated, causing you to eat more than you might typically eat.

In addition to your body feeling hungry, it is likely feeling tired and in need of energy to keep going.  When looking for a quick energy boost, our bodies will crave foods high in sugar and carbohydrates.  When you eat sugar and carbohydrates your body creates insulin, which also makes you feel hungry.  Your body is ultimately going in circles, telling you it is hungry and tired, so you feed it carbs and sugar, which in turn makes you feel hungry, while your Leptin is not kicking in to tell you it is satiated. 

Without a good night’s sleep, our bodies remain tired and unrested.  Finding motivation to exercise is difficult and reduces calorie burn all while calorie intake has increased, resulting in weight gain and/or retention. 

If this cycle sounds familiar, if you are not getting restful, rejuvenating sleep, you may be suffering from sleep disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea.  Call our office today to learn more and start your journey to a better night’s sleep.