In recent studies published in the Lancet, the number of obese individuals worldwide has doubled since 1980. The sleep industry has also increased in market size, with “nearly 50% of Americans taking prescription-grade sleeping medication or over-the-counter products.”1
So why is everyone having problems sleeping, and what does obesity have to do with it?
Is Obesity a Cause or Effect for Sleep Disorders?
Developing evidence from independent studies suggests short sleep durations are a risk factor for developing obesity and its complications. Sleep is essential as it helps regulate the neuroendocrine process and glucose metabolism.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that determines whether you are of normal weight, overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. Based on your height and weight, obesity is classified as having a BMI of 30 or higher.
This obesity epidemic has been linked to sleep deprivation, leading to a condition known as insomnia.
Why does obesity cause insomnia?
Insomnia: Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, regardless of the condition. Some causes of insomnia can be short-term issues, such as stress or an illness. Long-term insomnia could involve:
- Unhealthy habits or sleep patterns
- Prescription medications
- Other chronic conditions, such as obesity
According to recent research, insomnia is much more likely to be reported in overweight people. Studies show that individuals who get less than 8 hours of sleep are more likely to have elevated glucocorticoid (such as cortisol) levels in their bodies, resulting in stronger cravings for foods higher in sugar and fat, which can lead to increased weight gain.
Obese individuals also tend to have higher emotional strain and depression levels, leading to poor sleep quality and an endless cycle of sleep deprivation. Insomnia is also linked with an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Sleep Loss leads to more weight gain.
Sleep fragmentation and intermittent hypoxia caused by OSA not only make you suffer from daytime fatigue, but they can also alter the hormones that promote weight gain. These hormones, known as ghrelin and leptin, help regulate your appetite.
Ghrelin is the hormone that helps facilitate our hunger drive. Higher amounts of ghrelin enter our bloodstream with deprived sleep, increasing our desire to eat more and crave higher-fat foods.
On the other hand, leptin is a substance that regulates our sense of satiation, which is our feeling of fullness. Losing too much sleep will result in lower leptin levels in the bloodstream, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Losing weight leads to fewer sleepless nights.
Obesity increases the likelihood of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This condition happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, either partially or entirely. These temporary blockages cause frequent awakenings, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%, stroke by 60%, and heart failure by 140%.
Studies have shown that losing weight through diet and exercise alone can help decrease sleep apnea, leading to a more restful sleep cycle. Typically, active people sleep better because they burn more calories throughout the day, which makes their bodies more prone to better sleep. If you are pre-diabetic or have diabetes, weight loss can improve your blood sugar control and help reduce conditions like restless leg syndrome.
Losing overall weight is key to improving your sleep, but more specifically, your belly fat. Visceral fat, fat around the abdomen, is associated with diabetes, heart disease, dementia, breast and colon cancers, and other chronic conditions. Of course, it isn’t as easy as it sounds, since genetics play a significant role in determining where our body burns fat during weight loss. Regardless, overall weight loss will help lead to a better sleep cycle.
Break the Vicious Cycle
Obesity and sleep apnea are locked in a vicious cycle where each condition makes the other worse. This self-perpetuating loop can be tough to break without intervention. There’s a highly effective solution that can address both issues at once: bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery, such as a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass, can lead to significant and sustained weight loss. This, in turn, can have a dramatic effect on sleep apnea. As you lose weight, the fatty deposits in and around your throat decrease, which helps to keep your airway open while you sleep.
The results are often life-changing. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can lead to the complete remission of sleep apnea in up to 85% of patients. Many people who once relied on a CPAP machine to breathe at night find that they no longer need it after surgery.
Reclaim Your Sleep, Reclaim Your Life: Get Bariatric Surgery with Mexico Bariatric Center® and End the Cycle of Obesity and Sleep Apnea!
