New research claims snoring is linked to obesity

March 15 is World Sleep Day

Snoring is linked to obesity Source: Getty Images

New research show obesity is not only affected sleeping but also have other health issues.


Dr Asmaa Gundru from the MyHealth Medical Centre Helenvale in Brisbane, Queensland said that new research has shown that obesity may have linked to sleep deprivation and other health issues. But what is sleep apnoea and what are the signs and symptoms and how do we manage it or can we cure it? Where can we find information or help to deal with this problem?

Dr Gundru said that according to new research two-thirds of overweight Australian struggle to sleep and one in three of them may experience sleep apnoea. What is more shocking, there is about 40% of them are not doing anything to handle this problem, maybe due to unawareness about this condition or don't think that there is helps.

She says that maybe people might not know that they have this condition or either their partners don't know that they have this condition. Some still think that it might be their sleeping patterns because it is always this way. Therefore they don't do anything about it, or probably think that there is nothing can be done about it.
Obesity and sleep
Cambridge weight plans -obesity and sleep - MediaCast Source: MediaCast
But Dr Gundru said that there are many causes that lead to sleep apnoea especially thyroid problem, different medications, menopause, lifestyles and environmental factors. But it is also hard to diagnose because there are not many clear signs or symptoms, therefore we need to do sleep study so sleep patterns can be monitored and treatment can be arranged accordingly. Though healthy diets and exercise could help us sleep better.

Consuming alcohols intake too often or too close to bedtime, drinking coffee before bedtime or having too much screen time are some of the factors contribute to disruptive sleep during the night and lead to sleep deprivation i.e, especially making them feel grumpy, don't feel fresh in the morning, experience sleepiness during the day, have a poor memory, poor concentration, yawning etc., ending up unable to utilize their physical to their fullest potential.

Sleep apnoea, she says, is either that person experience shallow breathing or stop breathing for a couple of minutes. This triggers our brains to wake us up so we can breathe which affecting our sleeping. This will also lead to not enough oxygen in our blood to support our body. In turn, it could lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or even stroke. 

What's more, Dr Asmaa Gundru says not getting enough sleeping could lead to changes in appetite hormone, which leads to high calories foods demanding. This means high sugar energy foods consumption will be followed suits and will certainly lead to other chronic health issues. So Dr Gundru says that we should do something to reverse this vicious cycle.

Dr Asmaa Gundru wants people to talk about it, consult with their partners or their doctors so management plans and appropriate treatment can be arranged. She would also like to take the World Sleep Day (15 March) to raise this awareness so people can find help. 

She says there are three common treatment plans. The first two, she said, are the assistance of mouth guard and CPAP machines that help to open our airway which enables us to breathe easier. The third options are to refer to sleep specialist which may end up in operation, but the former options are more preferable. Though she says they are not a magic pill that can solve all these sleeping problems. Even using the CPAP machines, diets and exercise are still required in adjunction. 

Last but not least, Dr Asmaa Gundru says that people should try the online which has 8 questionnaires which they need to answer and hopefully by answering these questions helping them to sleep. Other two more websites she found have detail information about sleep apnoea are and the .

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