As Americans continue to struggle with obesity, one often-overlooked side effect of being overweight is becoming more prevalent. Sleep apnea, often correlated with obesity, affects more than 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health, in a variety of ways. Dr. Anita Jackson, medical editor for Healthy Living Magazine, wants to make sure the public is aware of sleep apnea and the various ways to treat the disorder.

"Sleep apnea has become more of a problem as America has become more [obese,]" she affirms. "It's [also] closely associated with diabetes [and] hypertension." Dr. Jackson explains that certain anatomic differences, such as a large tongue or large tonsils, can contribute to the development of sleep apnea. "It's a silent killer - it can cause you to have cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death."

She points to the recent passing of NFL legend Reggie White as a prime example of how sleep apnea can be fatal if undiagnosed or undertreated. "Because [people] haven't [been] treated and diagnosed earlier, they've suffered the consequences - which can be deadly," she warns. "It's a very important sleep disorder that you should diagnose early and get treated for."

Types of sleep apnea include obstructive, central, and mixed; Dr. Jackson advises that you find out which treatment is best for your specific situation. "There are several treatments - some that are nonsurgical, which use CPAP (control positive airway pressure) machines, which [help] you to sleep," she explains. "Other [treatments] are surgical, which may be as simple as taking out your tonsils."

For all sleep disorders, Dr. Jackson encourages speaking to a specialist if you feel that you don't get enough sleep, get too much or find yourself still sleepy in the morning. "The [specialist] can be in a variety of disciplines, [including] ear nose and throat specialists, a neurologist, [and] your family physician may indeed know a lot about sleep and can refer you to a sleep specialist that will be right for you." - todd Williams

Share this article with a friend