A Solution for Sound Sleep
Posted: Jun 01 in Weight Loss Blog by Staff
It is time to stop counting sheep and once again start embracing Zzzz’s. Sleep apnea is a common ailment among weight loss surgery patients, as carrying large amounts of excess weight is a leading risk factor for developing the condition. However, surgery for weight loss patients may be in luck as recent advances could make it possible for your weight loss surgeon to alleviate sleep apnea during your bariatric procedure.
As the name suggests, sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes patients to experience lapses in their breathing while asleep. These pauses can last from anywhere between a few seconds and a few minutes, and can occur up to 30 times within the course of an hour. When breathing returns to normal, patients often make a loud snort or choking sound that can be very alarming to their partner.
Between the lapses in breathing, the startling snorts and the discomfort of choking as you start to breathe again, sleep apnea can greatly reduce your quality of sleep and requires uncomfortable long term treatment. A lot of sleep apnea patients cope with drowsiness and decreased drive as a result of the condition, making it even harder to muster up the energy to lose weight and focus on your health.
Unfortunately, sleep apnea patients have also had to deal with an increased risk for complications after bariatric surgery as a result of their disease, making the condition even harder to overcome. However, researchers over the past several years have found that the laparoscopic and minimally invasive advances in weight loss surgery make undergoing a bariatric procedure less dangerous, even for those who suffer from sleep apnea.
A team of researchers at the Sanford School of Medicine in South Dakota found a strong link between sleep apnea and other conditions of the metabolic syndrome, including a propensity towards obesity. For those with a family history of being overweight and suffering from poor sleeping habits, turning to bariatric surgery may alleviate this discomfort, and even help you to establish healthier sleeping habits.
Many patients of weight loss surgery report drastic improvement in their sleep apnea symptoms after losing weight with bariatric surgery, including having more energy, getting more sound sleep and having an overall improved outlook on life—something that many people can testify to being a benefit of getting a good night sleep.
If you are struggling with sleep apnea, then talk with your weight loss surgeon Dr. Bass about the potential benefits of bariatric surgery.