Sleep is essential for overall health, yet millions of people around the world struggle with sleep disorders that disrupt daily life. Among these, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is particularly common and often linked to obesity.
Fortunately, weight loss surgery provides an effective approach not only for reducing body weight but also for improving sleep-related issues.
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing breathing to repeatedly stop and start. This results in fragmented sleep, loud snoring, choking sensations, and excessive daytime tiredness. If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Obesity is a primary risk factor for OSA. Excess fat around the neck and upper airway can narrow the breathing passages, making it harder to breathe, especially when muscles relax during sleep. Many individuals with severe OSA are overweight, which can create a cycle where disrupted sleep contributes to further weight gain.
Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, has been shown to reduce body weight effectively and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnoea. Common procedures, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and mini gastric bypass, reduce stomach capacity and, in some cases, limit nutrient absorption, leading to significant weight loss over time.
As patients lose weight, fat deposits around the neck and airway decrease, allowing breathing passages to open more fully during sleep. This reduction in obstruction can significantly decrease the frequency and severity of apnoeic episodes. Many patients experience substantial improvement in sleep apnoea symptoms after surgery.
Research supports the benefits of bariatric surgery on sleep disorders. A systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that up to 85% of patients undergoing weight loss surgery experienced improvement or full remission of OSA. Similarly, studies in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reported notable reductions in the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI), a key measurement of sleep apnoea severity, after surgery.
Weight loss surgery can also improve other sleep conditions associated with obesity, such as obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and restless leg syndrome (RLS).
ImUnderstanding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Its Connection to Obesity
How Weight Loss Surgery Can Improve Sleep Apnoea
Research and Evidence
Broader Health Benefits of Better Sleep
What Patients Can Expect
Is Weight Loss Surgery a Suitable Option?
proved sleep quality has far-reaching effects on health. Restful sleep can help regulate blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. conditions closely linked with both obesity and sleep disorders.
Better sleep also supports mood, cognitive function, and daily energy levels, making it easier to maintain healthy habits and stay active as patients continue their weight loss journey.
While weight loss surgery provides significant benefits, it is not an instant solution. Improvements in sleep typically occur gradually as weight is lost over several months. Pre- and post-surgery sleep assessments are recommended to track progress and address any remaining sleep issues.
Weight loss surgery should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including medical evaluation, nutritional guidance, physical activity, and psychological support.
For individuals dealing with obesity and sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, weight loss surgery may be an effective treatment option to discuss with a qualified bariatric surgeon. Consulting with an experienced professional like Dr Kevin Dolan can help determine the procedure best suited to your health needs.
For many, bariatric surgery can help improve sleep quality, support overall health, and improve daily well-being.