Have you ever woken up after a full night’s sleep only to be more tired than when you went to bed? There are many factors that could be the cause of this, but one of the most common is sleep apnea – a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, causing frequent waking throughout the night.

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea. It causes your airways to collapse or become blocked during sleep. Normal breathing starts again with a snort or choking sound. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly. Other symptoms include: waking up with a very sore or dry throat, lack of energy during the day, and morning headaches.

Patients with sleep apnea also typically see a corresponding increase in weight gain.

How sleep affects your weight:

When you are low on sleep, you are less likely to make reasoned decisions and give in to junk food cravings.
The more fatigued you feel, the less likely you are to go to the gym.
Hunger hormones are regulated during sleep. When sleep is constantly interrupted, your metabolism does not have a chance to synchronize, which can lead to additional food consumption.
Finally, an increase in weight can make sleep apnea worse. Excess weight can impact your airways when you lay down, resulting in an expanded effort for air to get through. This often results in increased snoring or wheezing, which can further impact your amount and quality of sleep.

So what can you do if you always feel tired and are carrying around a few extra pounds? While sleep apnea is highly treatable, it’s important to visit a specialized doctor who can recommend treatment options and lifestyle adjustments.

Give us a call at 703-297-4407 or schedule an appointment online to learn now to reduce your risk and help you get a better night’s sleep!