Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Here at Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer sleep apnea treatments to help patients find relief from this condition and enjoy greater energy during the day as well as an overall healthy lifestyle.
Some of our patients ask us whether sleep apnea causes weight loss. The truth is that sleep apnea is related to weight gain, rather than weight loss. In fact, for years, research has proven that being overweight or obese is one of the primary risk factors of sleep apnea. Here’s why:
When extra tissue builds up around the upper airway, it can alter the shape of the airway. The weight can also cause the airway to collapse during sleep. Believe it or not, more than half of the patients that suffer from sleep apnea are overweight.
Our dentists suggest that patients with sleep apnea who are overweight or obese make an effort to shed their extra pounds. In addition reducing the number of apneas that occur, losing weight can improve sleep quality.
Although the sleep apnea treatment we recommend depend on the severity of the condition, we typically suggest an oral appliance. The oral appliance fits over the teeth and opens up the airways while a patient sleeps. It prevents the tongue from obstructing the air passage or places the jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are living with sleep apnea and have further questions on how weight gain or weight loss relates to your condition, we encourage you to contact our Ashburn, VA office today by calling 703-439-1214.