The Connection Between Obesity and Sleep Disorders

People with obesity often have sleep problems, including sleep apnea. Poor sleep can make it harder to manage your weight, while extra weight can make it harder to get a good night's rest. Together, they can create a cycle that is difficult to break.

"When we're not sleeping well, our body doesn't work the way it should," says John Carter, MD, a Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care physician at MetroHealth.

When you don't get enough sleep, your body makes less of the hormone that helps you feel full and more of the hormone that makes you feel hungry. This can lead to cravings for unhealthy foods and make weight gain more likely.

Sleep Apnea and Obesity

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. It happens when your airway becomes partly or fully blocked during sleep, causing your breathing to stop and start throughout the night.

People with sleep apnea may wake up many times without realizing it. These breathing pauses can lower oxygen levels and put extra stress on the heart, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Extra tissue around the neck and throat can make the airway narrower, which is why obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea.

Tips for Better Sleep

Getting better sleep can help support weight loss and improve your overall health.

Make sleep a priority.
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

Limit screens before bed.
Turn off phones, tablets and other screens about an hour before bedtime. The light from screens can make it harder for your body to prepare for sleep.

Create a sleep-friendly bedroom.
Keep your room cool, dark and quiet. Avoid watching TV or using your phone in bed.

Watch late-night eating.
Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day so you aren't overly hungry at night. Avoid large meals within two hours of bedtime.

MetroHealth Is Here to Help

If you're having trouble with sleep or weight management, talk to your primary care provider. They can help you find the right treatment and may refer you to the MetroHealth Weight Loss Center or Center for Sleep Medicine.

A sleep specialist can review your sleep habits, evaluate your symptoms and decide if a sleep study is needed. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, they can recommend the treatment that's best for you.

If you're considering weight loss treatment, your provider can discuss your options, including bariatric surgery, and connect you with the right team for support. 

Your Questions Answered

Q. How do sleep problems affect weight?

A. Not getting enough sleep can change the hormones that control hunger and fullness. This can make you feel hungrier, crave unhealthy foods and gain weight over time.

Q. What is sleep apnea?

A. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. Common signs include loud snoring, waking up tired, morning headaches and feeling sleepy during the day.

Q. Can improving my sleep help with weight loss?

A. Yes. Getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night can help support healthy eating habits, improve energy levels and make it easier to manage your weight.