When you are overweight you have excess body fat both inside and outside. Too many people never think about the fat on the inside, but it affects you just as much. In this case fat can build up on the inside of the throat. This alone can partially block your airway and not just during sleep either.
Any extra bulk in this area is a bad thing. It gets worse though. When you sleep, the extra fat tissue puts pressure on the structures of the throat. This leads to further constriction.
You may already know that excess body fat has an effect on your muscles. This is true for both internal and external fat. However, the effect is the same. All of that extra weight that doesn't support itself saps the strength from your muscles.
It is also worth noting that all of the tissues in the throat become softer when you're overweight. Softer throat tissues and loose muscles are two of the main reasons that older people are so prone to snoring. When you add softened tissues and loose muscles to partial blockage and extra pressure on the airway, you're almost guaranteed to snore.
A little snoring here and there never hurt anyone. But obesity and snoring is a dangerous combination. If you are overweight, and do snore, has it affected your relationship with your partner? Is he or she sleeping in a different room?
Are you fighting to stay awake during the day? Do you feel sleepy and cranky? Do you suffer from a general overall fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment? Do you awaken choking or gasping? Do you have morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throat? Are you able to sleep at all; do you have insomnia? Have any or all of these circumstances lead to depression?
If the answer to any of those is yes, believe it or not, even THAT is not the worst aspect of snoring. What's worse is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is a sleep related breathing disorder that causes your body to actually stop breathing during sleep. OSA occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway. And, remember what I stated earlier: All of the tissues in the throat become softer when you're overweight.
And, if all of that isn't bad enough, here's another thing to know if you're obese and have OSA: If you ever need surgery, the most important person in the room isn't the surgeon; it's the anesthesiologist! Why? Because obesity-related changes in anatomy have significant implications for obese patients requiring surgery and anesthesia... and one of those anatomy changes is in the airway management throughout the surgery.
If you are severely overweight, then you may not be able to find something that keeps you from snoring completely right away: anti-snoring devices can help, as can trying to sleep on your side. However, neither option will solve the problem. Only weight loss can.
I am passionate about helping my clients become slim and healthy. I publish a weekly blog and podcast to educate and motivate on all issues related to #weightloss, #obesity, health and wellness, diet and lifestyle change.
Visit me at http://www.weightnomoredietcenter.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lori_Boxer/2169327
Any extra bulk in this area is a bad thing. It gets worse though. When you sleep, the extra fat tissue puts pressure on the structures of the throat. This leads to further constriction.
It is also worth noting that all of the tissues in the throat become softer when you're overweight. Softer throat tissues and loose muscles are two of the main reasons that older people are so prone to snoring. When you add softened tissues and loose muscles to partial blockage and extra pressure on the airway, you're almost guaranteed to snore.
A little snoring here and there never hurt anyone. But obesity and snoring is a dangerous combination. If you are overweight, and do snore, has it affected your relationship with your partner? Is he or she sleeping in a different room?
Are you fighting to stay awake during the day? Do you feel sleepy and cranky? Do you suffer from a general overall fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment? Do you awaken choking or gasping? Do you have morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throat? Are you able to sleep at all; do you have insomnia? Have any or all of these circumstances lead to depression?
If the answer to any of those is yes, believe it or not, even THAT is not the worst aspect of snoring. What's worse is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is a sleep related breathing disorder that causes your body to actually stop breathing during sleep. OSA occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway. And, remember what I stated earlier: All of the tissues in the throat become softer when you're overweight.
And, if all of that isn't bad enough, here's another thing to know if you're obese and have OSA: If you ever need surgery, the most important person in the room isn't the surgeon; it's the anesthesiologist! Why? Because obesity-related changes in anatomy have significant implications for obese patients requiring surgery and anesthesia... and one of those anatomy changes is in the airway management throughout the surgery.
If you are severely overweight, then you may not be able to find something that keeps you from snoring completely right away: anti-snoring devices can help, as can trying to sleep on your side. However, neither option will solve the problem. Only weight loss can.
I am passionate about helping my clients become slim and healthy. I publish a weekly blog and podcast to educate and motivate on all issues related to #weightloss, #obesity, health and wellness, diet and lifestyle change.
Visit me at http://www.weightnomoredietcenter.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lori_Boxer/2169327
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