Most people would agree that losing weight is one of the most challenging endeavors. Many individuals try to shed pounds by undergoing a diet plan or joining a gym. Despite the various supplements and exercise routines that are often suggested, the majority of people are not able to effectively lose weight. What is often overlooked is the fact that many people who are trying to lose weight have a condition that affects their sleep. Specifically, many individuals with sleep apnea experience excessive daytime sleepiness which interferes with their ability to remain active. This eventually leads to them gaining more weight than what they would like to. Is it possible that losing weight during sleep could be the key to overcoming this condition? Let’s take a quick look at the science behind why this might be the case.
Why You Get Excessive Sleepiness During Sleep
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where a person’s breathing is obstructed during sleep. This usually happens when the tongue blocks the airway or when the throat muscles are weak and relax during sleep which allows the soft tissue to collapse. The blockage in the throat or the resulting low blood oxygen levels in the body result in sleepiness during the day. In some instances, the blockage in the throat results in choking or snoring which can cause other individuals in the home to become tired of listening to the noises. The noises can disturb sleep and lead to further sleep apnea episodes. OSA is more common among people who are overweight. Being overweight puts you at a higher risk of developing OSA. The condition can also be caused by a genetic predisposition. However, it is important to note that there are also some other contributing factors.
If you think that you, or someone you know, suffer from OSA, you should consult with a sleep apnea expert as soon as possible. Sleep apnea experts are able to diagnose the condition using a series of tests and questions. These tests are able to determine whether or not you are at risk for OSA and if you need treatment. If you do need treatment, your sleep apnea expert will be able to recommend the right weight loss program for you. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, and even heart failure. To find a sleep apnea expert in your area, simply consult your local phone book or search for “sleep apnea expert” online. You should also try to learn more about the condition so that you can educate yourself about how to reduce your risk of developing it. This way, you will feel less intimidated by the subject and be able to fight it more effectively. Fighting this condition is incredibly important because, as we mentioned above, it can lead to serious health complications. It is also important to note that OSA can be completely debilitating. If you have ever felt sluggish or had decreased energy levels during the day, you know what I’m talking about. This is because of the excessive amount of sleepiness that you experience as a result of the condition. It is important to get your sleep apnea checked out by a professional so that you can lower your risk of developing these serious complications. While there is no “perfect” diet plan or exercise routine to reduce your risk of OSA, it is important to find what works best for you so that you can live a better and healthier life.
Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Weight?
When we think about losing weight, many of us immediately think about going on a diet or taking supplements to burn fat. While these are viable options, there is another way that your body can lose weight while you are sleeping and that is through perspiration. It is extremely important to understand what causes your body to sweat. When you wake up in the morning, you will probably feel dehydrated. Your body is actually asking for water, and you should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Some people may even experience headaches or dehydration when they don’t drink enough fluids. When you sleep, your body undergoes a process known as “sleep induced perspiration” or SIP for short. SIP is caused by a combination of several factors. First, your body temperature drops while you sleep which encourages your sweat glands to work harder. Second, your breathing becomes restricted, especially during sleep. This restricts the flow of oxygen to your brain which adds another layer to the challenge. Third, your movements while sleeping result in your body being shaken which forces the fluids in your body to circulate. All of these factors combine to create a condition where your body is constantly asking for water. This is why when you wake up in the morning, you must drink at least eight ounces of fluid to rehydrate properly. Even when you are not particularly thirsty, drinking at least eight ounces every hour or two can help maintain your health and avoid dehydration-related problems. Many people claim that drinking water while sleeping improves restorative sleep and reduces daytime sleepiness. Is this true? Let’s take a quick look at the science behind SIP.
How Does SIP Help You Lose Weight?
SIP has been known to help individuals lose weight for a number of reasons. First, getting enough sleep helps to re-energize your body. You undergo a process of restoration while you are asleep which allows your body to relax and restore its tissues. Second, drinking fluids during sleep helps to maintain proper hydration levels which can prevent headaches and other ailments. Third, when your body is continually exposed to high temperatures, it eventually adapts and adjusts to the change which helps to regulate your body temperature. This in turn allows you to lose weight even when you are not dieting. Fourth, breathing exercises while sleeping improve lung capacity which allows you to lose more weight. Fifth, exercise while sleeping improves the function of your respiratory system which helps to regulate the amount of fluids in your body. Sixth, meditation exercises while sleeping reduce stress which improves your overall quality of sleep. Seventh, a sound sleep environment reduces the chances of snoring which also reduces the chances of OSA. Eighth, the soft tissue in your throat adjusts to the change in pressure which prevents the blockage of your throat that causes snoring and apnea. Ninth, a regular practice of breathing exercises while staying hydrated promotes healthier weight loss. Tied for tenth, eating regularly reduces the chances of OSA. Finally, reducing stress and practicing proper breathing exercises increases energy levels which encourages you to be more active. All of these factors work together to encourage you to lose weight while you are sleeping. By doing this, you are effectively working against the clock and making it more difficult for your body to keep the weight off. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is a weight loss option and it is not a substitute for dieting or taking supplements. It is always advisable to discuss any changes in your sleeping habits with your doctor or sleep apnea expert to make sure that you are not causing yourself any complications. It is also important to note that if you do not lose any weight within a reasonable amount of time, you should consult with your doctor so that he can investigate further and help you find the root of the problem. Is it possible to lose weight while sleeping? It is, but it requires a bit of research and a willingness to try something new. Many individuals who are successfully using SIP to lose weight are those who have tried almost everything else first and are now looking for a way to permanently shed the extra pounds. Is it possible that SIP could be the missing link to your weight loss journey? Let’s take a quick look at some of the science behind SIP so that you can determine for yourself if this is a viable option for you.