Bariatric surgery can resolve sleep apnea for those struggling with obesity
Sleep apnea is a condition that comes with a host of negative side effects, especially for those who are severely overweight.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 25 million Americans have sleep apnea, a common condition in which a person’s breathing stops and restarts many times during their sleep. A poor night’s sleep can lead to exhaustion the following day, affecting one’s ability to concentrate and make decisions, as well as control behavior, the NIH said.
It also places a person at risk for serious health issues. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, diabetes or stroke. Those who are obese are also at risk of developing obesity hypoventilation syndrome, a serious issue that can only be resolved by losing weight, said Adam Golas, MD, a bariatric surgeon with Premier Weight Loss Solutions.
Obese hypoventilation syndrome is the narrowing of the respiratory tract that results in low oxygen levels and carbon-dioxide build up. The body usually exhales carbon dioxide, which is a by-product of the process to break down food for energy. Obese hypoventilation syndrome can cause respiratory arrest and lead to serious and even life-threatening health problems if not addressed, the NIH said.
“Excess weight creates fat deposits in a person’s neck known as pharyngeal fat,” said Dr. Golas, who practices with Premier Physician Network. “This can block the upper airway as the pharyngeal or throat muscles that keep the airway open relax during sleep.”
Sleep apnea can be treated using a CPAP machine, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine works by providing a steady flow of pressurized air into a person’s nose and mouth as they sleep. This helps keep the airway open.
“Weight loss is a critical part of addressing sleep apnea regardless of the treatment options used,” he said. “Sleep apnea is often a symptom of many more health issues that may be occurring due to someone’s excess weight.”
Sleep apnea is one of the top four reasons a person may consider bariatric surgery, Dr. Golas said. The other three include diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
“Patients are often referred to us because we know that bariatric weight loss surgery can lead to the remission of obesity-related comorbidities,” he said. “Up to 85 percent of my patients who undergo surgery will be weaned off of their CPAP machines within six months of surgery.”
Patients noticed a significant difference in how they feel once their sleep apnea is resolved, he said. They now can experience the fourth stage of sleep, known as REM, where the body can begin to restore itself and prepare for the day ahead, Golas said.
To schedule an appointment with a Premier Physician Network provider near you, visit PremierHealth.com/MakeAnAppointment.