Sleep Apnea is understood to be strongly correlated with obesity- the more extra weight a person is carrying, the more likely it is that they will suffer from the narrowing of the breathing pathways like the nose and throat. this then makes a person more prone to the closure of these pathways during sleep which constitutes the interruptions to breathing which makes up the harmful aspects of Sleep Apnea.
This can lead to something of a vicious cycle for the sufferer. The way this happens is that poor quality sleep can lead to hormonal and physical changes which can trigger weight gain, including increased appetite. furthermore, the fatigue of sleep deprivation can make it hard for a person to take regular exercise. this, along with the other health implications of obesity, can serve to make Sleep Apnea even worse.
This vicious cycle can be very hard to break, unless one deals with the root cause of the problem- the initial weight gain. One rather extreme solution to this problem which is gaining in popularity is the gastric band, a surgically implanted device which is designed to clamp down on the stomach, and reduce its capacity. This then helps to regulate the patient’s appetite, making them feel fuller, quicker. This helps them keep control of their consumption levels.
More and more people are using this procedure, and this has even found favour in that haven of the outsize gentleman, America’s National Football League. Recently, the death of former Gridiron star Reggie White was attributed in part to respiratory complications arising from Sleep Apnea, and several high-profile figures, including coaches and current players, have undergone the procedure. They have also commonly mentioned a concern about Sleep Apnea as a factor in their decision.
This is, of course, a rather extreme solution to the problem of obesity, and it is of course much better not to put one’s self in this situation in the first place. It is something, however, which if reccomended by a physician, can be part of the solution to a major problem. If you’re serious about dealing with Sleep Apnea, this is one possible resort open to you.
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