When we lose sleep over a short time period, we expect to feel tired, irritable, and moody. But what should we expect if we consistently don’t get enough sleep? Can it affect our bodies physically? Poor sleep can do a lot to the body, from mental health consequences to chronic health conditions, but it can also affect the body physically, especially if a person has sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea, Sleep Deprivation, and Metabolism
One of the reasons sleep apnea is so dangerous is because of how closely our well being is tied to our sleep. Regular interruptions in sleep because of inadequate air intake keeps us from the oxygen we depend on and from the sleep cycles we need for maintenance and system regulation.
One of these systems that depends on sleep is our metabolism. According to the International Journal of Endocrinology, “Laboratory studies have clearly shown that sleep deprivation can alter the glucose metabolism and hormones involved in regulating metabolism. ”
Regular interruptions in a person’s sleep cycle interfere with leptin and ghrelin levels, two hormones that control feelings of hunger and fullness. Lack of sleep also destabilizes insulin level.
Because of this, sleep apnea can cause:
- Weight gain
- Difficulty losing weight
- Diabetes
Interference With Muscle Growth
What else does missing out on those crucial phases of sleep because of sleep apnea cause? This one is also tied to hormone production and regulation: muscle growth. Two hormones especially important in the development and growth of muscle tissue are testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH).
As luck would have it, the body needs at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep for testosterone production. And if you’re waking up regularly because your airway is obstructed, you’re not producing enough
The production of human growth hormone follows a similar mechanism. The pituitary gland depends on sufficient sleep and exercise to release HGH and if your sleep is interrupted, you’re one for two.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fairfax, VA
The most effective treatments are those that begin the earliest. If you’re struggling with managing your weight, insulin, or muscle growth and believe it to be a result of sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with Dr. Marzban today by calling 703-323-8200.
