Do you wake up feeling exhausted, no matter how much you sleep? You may have sleep apnea, a chronic condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Other symptoms include snoring, excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and restless tossing and turning during sleep.

Sleep apnea is about more than just not getting enough zzz’s. When left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Further, it’s linked to Type 2 diabetes and depression, and it even doubles the risk of being in a car crash.

Sleep apnea also has a close relationship with weight. It’s most commonly seen in overweight and obese adults, particularly in men over age 40.  As one’s weight increases, so does their risk of developing sleep apnea. Meanwhile, evidence also  suggests that sleep apnea may lead to weight gain. This is due to the fact that it causes sleep deprivation and tiredness, which typically results in increased snacking and overeating.

The good news is that losing 10 percent of your body weight can significantly reduce the severity of the condition. SENSA® is a great tool to help you lose weight, while helping you control your appetite and reduce cravings. Additionally, studies show that a well-balanced diet combined with exercise can help improve sleep apnea’s symptoms. Foods that may help alleviate the symptoms include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea. If you suspect that you have it, you’ll want to make an appointment with your physician so you can get treatment to help you sleep peacefully!

In Good Health,

Dr. Hudson

Tweet Pin It

Posted in Health and Wellness, Medical Advisory Panel at January 22nd, 2013 by The SENSA® Medical Advisory Panel

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.