If you wake up feeling exhausted no matter how many hours you sleep, you’re not alone.
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people—many without even knowing it. And one of the biggest contributing factors? Excess weight.
At Transition Medical Weight Loss in Salem, NH, we focus on helping people not only lose weight but also improve their overall health—including better sleep and reduced risk of sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, blocking the airway.
This can lead to:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up frequently
- Morning headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Excessive daytime fatigue
Because your body is repeatedly jolted awake to restart breathing, you’re never getting the deep, restorative sleep your body needs.
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious health concern. If left untreated, it can contribute to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Stroke
- Increased risk of accidents due to fatigue
How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea
Being overweight is one of the strongest risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Extra fat tissue, especially around the neck and upper airway, can put pressure on the airway during sleep, making it more likely to collapse and cause interruptions in breathing.
In fact, studies show that even a 10% weight loss can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea—or eliminate it altogether in some cases.
The Good News: Weight Loss Can Help
At Transition Medical Weight Loss, we’ve seen firsthand how a medically guided weight loss plan can improve sleep quality, reduce sleep apnea symptoms, and lead to a healthier, more energized life.
Benefits of weight loss for those with sleep apnea include:
✅ Fewer apneic episodes
✅ Better oxygen flow
✅ More restful sleep
✅ Improved mood and energy
✅ Lower blood pressure and better heart health
Whether you’re already using a CPAP machine or have just started noticing symptoms, losing weight can be one of the most effective ways to improve your sleep and your overall well-being.
Ready to Breathe Easier and Sleep Better?
We’re here to help. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized, sustainable weight loss plan that fits your lifestyle and addresses the root causes of your health challenges—including sleep apnea.
Visit us in Salem, NH or join us virtually through Transition Anywhere™.
Better sleep starts with better health—and that starts at Transition.
