Vidhi Dave
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Whistling of Trachea: Snoring in Obesity
Do you snore at night?
Sleep a simple word who holds an emotion.
We often say beds are the hardest goodbyes. After a long hectic day at work, or attending an 8 hour lecture in college, we often fall asleep very easily.
Consider sleep to be the body’s nighttime repair shop. During this period, our cells repair, our immune system strengthens, and our brain cleans out information accumulated throughout the day. Sleep deprivation impairs these systems, making us vulnerable to a variety of health problems. Inadequate sleep has a wide range of implications, from decreased immune systems to impaired cognitive performance.
Individuals who are overweight or obese often experience nighttime snoring and wake up during the night to urinate.
Is Snoring Normal ?
No
It happens due to 2 reasons.
1-Around 10-15% people snore due to any nasal deformities or nose related problems
OR
2- But 85% of the population snore due to Obesity
Snoring isn’t just a disturbing sound a person makes while he/she is asleep but it’s a warning signal that your body is sending you to know that something is wrong.
Snoring is a condition that disrupts your sleep and the pattern of your sleep. Due to which you may feel low and tired even after waking up from sleep.
Why do obese people suffer from snoring?
Obesity is the mother of all diseases. Obesity, defined as an abnormal buildup of body fat, has long been recognized as a serious health issue. However, its impacts go beyond the visible surface.
Obesity can cause snoring. Excess weight, particularly around the neck and throat, can cause narrowing of the airways. This constriction can cause snoring when you lie down to sleep. It sounds like a high-pitched balloon being squeezed.
But here’s where things get interesting: snoring may not be the only issue. Obesity and snoring are frequently contributors to a broader problem known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). During OSA, the airways become so clogged that breathing is temporarily interrupted. This disturbance may occur several times throughout the night.
The following are the most common types of sleep apnea:
The most frequent type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the neck muscles relax and limit the flow of air into the lungs.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a condition in which the brain fails to provide correct signals to the muscles that govern breathing.
Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, occurs when someone has OSA (as determined by a sleep study) that transforms to CSA while getting OSA therapy.
In OSA, when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, this type of sleep apnea occurs.
When you relax your muscles, your airway narrows or closes when you breathe in. You’re not getting enough oxygen in your blood because you’re not getting enough air. When your brain detects that you are unable to breathe, it briefly awakens you so that you can reopen your airway. This awakening is usually so quick that you will forget about it.
Upon awakening from sleep, the sensation of needing to urinate might initially be attributed to a need for a bathroom visit. However, the underlying cause could potentially be related to difficulties in breathing and a shortage of oxygen supply.
Breaking the Chain of Obesity, OSA & Nocturia?
Do you Know how to break this long chain?
If not, here is the solution to your problem.
First step to break this chain is to understand the chain and to take action against it. Obesity can be treated through bariatric surgery (BMI more than 30) along with lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet and frequent exercise, which can reduce the physical factors that lead to snoring and OSA. Seeking proper consultation from a bariatric surgeon and dietitian is essential for effective management, as therapies ranging from CPAP therapy to surgical procedures can help to overcome sleep apnea.
Nocturia management includes identifying and correcting contributing variables such as sleep disturbances. Developing healthy sleep habits and obtaining medical advice can lead to increased sleep quality and fewer nocturnal awakenings.
Recognizing the connection between fat, snoring, and nocturia, in essence, shows the complexities of human health. This complicated connection serves as a reminder that seemingly unrelated things can, in fact, create a symphony of affects on our well-being.
Obesity is a trigger for a number of health problems, including snoring and sleep apnea. Fat buildup around the neck and throat narrows the airways, causing vibrations and disturbance when breathing – the typical sign of snoring. By taking control of our weight, we not only improve our physical appearance but also our general health, sleep quality, and energy. It’s a difficult path to take, but the benefits go far beyond the peace and quiet of a snore-free night.
