Can sleep apnea cause weight gain?

Sleep apnea—a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, leading to a significant reduction in oxygen levels—does not singlehandedly cause weight gain. However, since sleep health and weight management are closely linked, sleep disorders like sleep apnea can contribute to excess weight in a few different ways.¹

Sleep apnea and hormonal imbalances

One of the ways sleep apnea contributes to excess weight is through hormonal disarray. A lack of restful sleep can result in an imbalance in hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite. This imbalance often translates to increased hunger and an appetite for carbohydrate-rich foods—making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.^2,3

Sleep apnea and lack of energy

Sleep apnea disrupts sleep and often results in constant fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and a lack of motivation for physical activity. Feeling lethargic, many people with sleep apnea risk leading a sedentary lifestyle, which further increases the risk of excess weight.⁴

Sleep apnea and unhealthy food choices

Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep, preventing your body from getting the restorative sleep it needs to stay healthy. These types of disturbed sleeping patterns have been documented to lead to an increase in energy intake—mainly from snacking on foods rich in fat and carbohydrates² —and reduced sleep is associated with a higher incidence of obesity.⁵

Moderate to severe sleep apnea is also associated with increased insulin resistance. Insulin resistance promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal region, contributing to excess weight and worsening sleep apnea symptoms.⁶

Is sleep apnea having an impact on your health?

Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a fundamental pillar of health. A good night’s rest plays a critical role in weight management, and untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea can make it harder for you to reach your health goals. By prioritizing healthy sleep and seeking help for sleep apnea, you can take control of your health.

Free sleep assessment

Did you know?

Nearly 1 billion people worldwide have sleep apnea.⁷

Why you should take this sleep assessment:

A good night’s sleep is important for your physical and mental health, as well as your quality of life. During sleep, many important functions take place that help the body repair itself.⁸
This sleep assessment can help you understand your sleep behavior and determine if you should consider talking to a doctor about your sleep health.

Online sleep assessment

Dive deep with our questionnaire to uncover common sleep issues like Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Snoring.

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Please note this sleep assessment is not suitable for individuals under 18 years of age.

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References

Source: Jehan, S. (2017). Obstructive sleep apnea and obesity: Implications for public health. Sleep Medicine and Disorders: International Journal, 1(4):00019. https://doi.org/10.15406/smdij.2017.01.00019
Source: Papatriantafyllou, E. et al., (2022). Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients, 14(8), 1549. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081549
Source: Sleep. Obesity Prevention Source. (2016, April 13). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/sleep-and-obesity
Source: Leinum, C. J. et al., (2009). Sleep‐disordered breathing and obesity. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 24(6), 675–687. https://doi.org/10.1177/0884533609351532
Source: Guimarães, K. C. et al., (2021). Is self-reported short sleep duration associated with obesity? A systematic review and meta-analysis of Cohort studies. Nutrition Reviews, 80(5), 983–1000. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuab064
Source: Baburao, A., & Souza, G. (2014). Insulin resistance in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in nondiabetics and its response to continuous positive airway pressure treatment. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(10), 500.
Source: Benjafield AV et al. “Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: A literature-based analysis”. Vol 7:8; 687-98. Lancet Respir Med 2019.
Source: Perry GS, Patil SP, Presley-Cantrell LR. Raising Awareness of Sleep as a Healthy Behavior. Prev Chronic Dis 2013;10:130081. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd10.130081
Source: This assessment does not provide medical advice or medical diagnosis. Consult with your healthcare professional if you are concerned or have questions about your sleep health.