Obesity is Both a Cause and Consequence of Sleep Apnea

Stating that one of the most important causes and consequences of obesity is 'sleep apnea', Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Seha Akduman said that 80 percent of obese people have sleep apnea. Stating that snoring is a very important indicator of sleep apnea, which may carry a life risk if left untreated, Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Kosuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman "90 percent of people with sleep apnea also have snoring complaints. Therefore, snoring is a sign that should be taken into consideration, especially in obese and overweight people."

A night of healthy sleep is a basic need necessary for breathing and hydration. Sleep apnea is a very common problem that prevents fulfilling this need. Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Kosuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman pointed out the connection between obesity and sleep apnea, which has become a global health problem. Highlighting that snoring, which is one of the most important indicators of sleep apnea, should be taken into consideration, although it is considered normal in this direction, he pointed out the serious connection between snoring, sleep apnea, and obesity.

Stating that sleep apnea is a risky disease with symptoms such as being unable to breathe during sleep and inability to take oxygen, Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman stated, "While obesity is the biggest risk factor for sleep apnea, sleep apnea also poses a risk for obesity. Therefore, we are talking about two important problems that cause the problem to grow in a circle that affects each other.

Reminding that sleep apnea is generally more common in adults over the age of 40, especially in men, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman said, "These patients cannot go into a deep sleep because they wake up repeatedly throughout the night due to being unable to breathe during sleep. They cannot sleep as soon as they lie down and ultimately cannot rest enough. This fragmented sleep cycle ultimately leads to serious metabolic consequences from cardiovascular diseases to diabetes."

“Patient Who Cannot Rest, Resorts to Carbohydrates”

Emphasizing that the heart, brain, and lungs cannot rest because the person cannot get quality sleep, Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman stated, "Since oxygen is low in the body, patients become sluggish, tired, and unhappy during the day. As a result, they resort to carbohydrate-rich foods. As a result, they start to gain weight. In other words, the most important cause and consequence of sleep apnea is obesity. Studies show that 80 percent of obese people have sleep apnea".

“Over 1 and a Half Million in Turkey”

Pointing out that Turkey ranks third in the world in obesity ranking, Dr. Seha Akduman stated that there are over 1 and a half million 'obese people with sleep apnea' in Turkey. Stating that not every snoring patient has sleep apnea, but 90 percent of patients with sleep apnea have snoring, Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman stated, "This is a serious health problem. A person's snoring in sleep is not that simple. It is also a pause that disrupts the entire metabolism."

It Is Also the Main Cause of Blood Pressure and Diabetes

Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman pointed out that this relationship between sleep apnea and obesity creates a basis for different problems and continued her words as follows: "In this 80 percent patient group; The body cannot rest during sleep. So, insulin resistance, oxygen in sleep, and heart rhythm are disrupted during that day. And thus, the metabolic syndrome occurs in the patient. The main cause of many diseases such as blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome is actually sleep apnea."

“Can Cause Loss of Life During Sleep”

Emphasizing that this disease can have serious consequences that can lead to loss of life when left untreated, Dr. Seha Akduman made the following statements: "We know that 90 percent of deaths that occur during sleep are due to sleep apnea. The low oxygen experienced by the patient due to apnea can cause stroke in the brain, heart attack during sleep, and lung diseases in prolonged periods. However, when left untreated, it also increases all the risks developed by obesity. In the long term, it triggers many diseases such as depression, cancer, stroke, and heart attack."

“Can Also Be Seen In Children”

Expressing that sleep apnea is not only an adult disease today, Assoc. Dr. also Seha Akduman said, "Today, obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea in children. Children with increased allergies and nasal discharge complaints are also seen to have sleep apnea. Therefore, children with such problems also get into bed but cannot sleep. Therefore, brain, heart, and lung development is also interrupted."

“It Is Identified and Treated with Sleep Test”

Stating that sleep apnea can be easily identified with a sleep test called polysomnography, Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases specialist Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman continued his speech as follows: "This test, which we apply to patients suspected of sleep apnea, can be performed by staying overnight in a hospital environment or by taking measurements in the patient's own home. If sleep apnea is detected after sleep records are taken, the patient is provided with devices that support breathing to ensure quality sleep. Therefore, possible risks can be reduced."

Noting that thanks to the recent developments in the area, sleep devices that are not practical in the past are now much smaller and more comfortable, Assoc. Dr. Seha Akduman stated, "In the past, patients did not use these devices, which were very noisy and large, or they had difficulty using them, so the sleep apnea problem and other risks caused by it persisted. However, today's sleep devices are much lighter and smaller and can even be carried while traveling. Therefore, the comfort, mobility, and happiness of the patient who sleeps well will increase during the day."