Addressing both obesity and OSA requires a multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and sometimes surgery. If you are worried that you, or someone you may know has OSA, please speak to your doctor. Managing OSA as a chronic condition can help to ensure long-term treatment success. Sustainable lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods high in fructose corn syrup and reducing stress, are also important.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The treatment for OSA typically given as a first option, CPAP involves wearing a mask that provides a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep. While effective, long-term adherence can be challenging for some people.
- Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue or reposition the jaw to keep the airway open. However, surgery is usually a last resort when other options may have not worked.
- Behavioural therapies: Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can help improve sleep patterns, which can indirectly support weight management.
The relationship between obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea is complex and involves multiple factors, including physical, hormonal, and demographic influences. Addressing this connection requires sustainable approaches that combine lifestyle changes with effective medical treatments. Taking steps to manage weight loss can have a positive impact on sleep apnoea as it can reduce the amount of tissue in the abdomen and tongue, as well as the size of soft tissues in the upper airway, therefore allowing for a peaceful, uninterrupted night's sleep. By understanding the impact of obesity on sleep apnoea and vice versa, we can understand our own bodies more and healthcare providers can develop more targeted interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.