Topics: Snoring, Weight Loss
But is this because of your snoring habit? Are you unable to shed a few pounds because you are prone to snoring at night? Come, let’s find answers!
Why do we snore?
When you sleep at night, the throat muscles relax. Sometimes, they slacken so much that they come very close. As a result, when you inhale and take in oxygen, the walls vibrate, causing snoring.
In obese people, weight accumulates at the neck, and the tongue becomes fat. This further crowds the airway and increases the risk of airway obstruction. This, in turn, adds to the possibility of snoring.
In some cases, snoring occurs because of obstructive sleep apnea. If left untreated, the breathing-related sleep disorder can contribute to sleep problems and cause weight gain. Also, this condition can lead to health complications like heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
You're not alone who is seeking the answer; If you snore at night, you may experience difficulty in losing weight. Here is why this happens:
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You burn fewer calories
When you snore or have moments of reduced airflow during apneas, you fail to catch on refreshing sleep. You become more likely to wake up during the night gasping for air. This means less time spent in deep and restorative sleep called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and more in light stages of rest.
In REM sleep, brain activity and calorie burn are at the highest levels. It is so because during this time, dreams occur, and your body utilises glucose and energy. So, for example, a 150-pound person catching adequate sleep burns 50 to 60 calories during the REM stage, but not resting well can lessen the calorie burn.
2. Less motivation to move
Not catching good-quality deep sleep can make you feel tired during the daytime. Feeling fatigued and sluggish makes you less likely to move or exercise. And, not moving or working out affects your ability to lose weight.
3. You feel more hungry
Poor-quality rest or sleep deprivation can affect the production of two hormones, leptin and ghrelin. While the prior helps you feel satiated and full, the latter makes you hungry.
Since we secrete more leptin during deep stages of sleep and more ghrelin when sleep-deprived, poor-quality rest resulting from loud snoring makes you eat more.
Because of lack of deep sleep, you keep eating, and snacking prevents you from losing the targeted few pounds.
4. You crave sugary, salty foods
Restful sleep makes you feel recharged and energised. But, if you fail to rest, your energy counts remain low, and the will to move is missing.
The feeling of tiredness and fatigue leads to an increased craving for high-calorie, sugary, and fatty food items.
This makes you reach for cookies, pizza, and sugary drinks and interferes with your plan to lose weight.
How can you stop snoring?
Since we know that snoring affects your ability to shed a few pounds, you may want to get rid of this sleep habit. Here are a few snoring solutions for this purpose:
1. Anti-snoring device
These devices resemble mouth guards used by athletes and prevent snoring by holding your jaws and tongue in place. It keeps the airway from getting blocked and helps with refreshing and undisturbed sleep.
To get these custom-made appliances, getting in touch with a dentist and sleep expert is recommended.
2. CPAP devices
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, a device that can help you breathe easier when you sleep. A CPAP machine uses a hose and mask to deliver constant and steady air pressure and prevents your airway from collapsing when you inhale. It’s one of the most effective ways to stop snoring.
3. Natural remedies
Another method to stop snoring is to try some natural remedies. These solutions are easy to practise and only require a few minutes of your day. For stopping snoring, using peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, ajwain, or ginger tea can help.
4. Bedtime solutions
Practising some bedtime solutions like elevating the head of the bed, altering your sleep position and resting on your sides, keeping the bedroom air moist using a humidifier, and avoiding sedatives before bed may help.
Many of us want to shed a few pounds as it helps ensure good health and well-being. Since snoring at night can help you achieve your target and affect your ability to lose weight, your first step should be to put an end to snoring immediately.
Disclaimer: The facts and information provided in the article are obtained from reputed medical organisations. The content is suggestive in nature and only meant for informational purposes. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of ResMed. Readers are advised to practise caution and talk to their healthcare professionals concerning problems with obesity and snoring.
