There is a close connection between sleep disorders and obesity, and for some people, the two conditions go hand in hand. Some people who suffer from a sleep disorder may actually gain weight due to their condition, while for others, it could be that their obesity is what causes their sleep disorder. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important connections: Carbohydrate requirements: One of the reasons obesity may develop from sleep apnea is that the human brain, due to its being unable to get enough sleep, will need more carbohydrates to function during the hours it's awake. The brain operates on glucose, and this is obtained through carbohydrates, and so those who suffer from sleep apnea may develop a craving for more carbohydrate-rich foods as their condition worsens. The problem is that it's all too easy to over-consume carbohydrates, which leads to a risk of excess weight. Hunger: Linked to this is the feeling of hunger. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which causes people to awaken during the middle of the night, sometimes as many as 10 times a night! As such, these sleep disorders mean that a fully restful sleep becomes very difficult to obtain - a person might spend 8 hours in bed, but if they can only sleep fitfully for half of that time, they are going to be very tired. One problem of lack of sleep is that many people experience increased feelings of hunger. Even though people who suffer sleep disorders may not expend any more energy during the day, their bodies will still feel hungrier, causing them to eat more and gain additional weight. Energy levels: For sufferers of sleep disorders who only ever get 4 or 5 hours of sleep a day, the effect on their energy levels becomes very telling. Most people who suffer a sleep disorder for any length of time become incredibly fatigued, and will put off doing any exercise or hard work, which can also lead to obesity. Finally, we should also mention obesity as a cause of sleep disorders. While obesity is not thought to be directly responsible for sleep problems, it is linked to conditions such as sleep apnea. All that extra weight can contribute to the blocking vital airways during the night, which is what causes sleep apnea. Hence, the majority of people with sleep apnea are already overweight, and tackling this can often lead to an improvement in their condition. Mike Moore is published on more than 300 websites. He writes about Health, Sleep Aids, and Relaxation. He is published on various website including http://www.cityofsleep.com
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