Obesity related sleep disorders soaring in Scotland, reveal figures
According to recent figures, the number of individuals receiving referrals for sleep disorders in Scotland has increased by a quarter in the past three years, with approximately 80% of those being referred overweight.
Obese and overweight individuals often suffer from the sleep disorder, sleep apnoea, a condition which involves the shape of the throat and the airway. Excess weight around the neck can cause or worsen the condition as sufferers airways are sucked closed when they relax during sleep, causing breathing to halt so sufferers wake constantly throughout the night.
28st Diana MacLean from Dumfrieshire was diagnosed with the condition after she stopped breathing during a hospital stay. After waking up in an intensive care unit and eventually being discharged with continuous positive airway pressure, Diane decided it was time for a change and has since lost 13st during the past year. Since her dramatic weight loss, Diane’s sleep apnoea has disappeared and she is able to sleep soundly throughout the night.
Tom Mackay is a sleep disorder expert at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and has reported what he describes as a ‘tidal wave’ of cases.
“Over the past five to 10 years we have noticed quite a rise in the number of people being referred to us.
“We are reaching capacity in terms of what we can cope with, and there is an undoubted link with people’s weight.” He said.
Dr Mackay is urging those who believe they may be suffering from a sleep disorder to visit their GP and undergo proper assessment and diagnosis so that they can then receive treatment.
Excess weight can be a key contributor in sleeps issues, so achieving a healthy weight is highly recommended. If you are overweight and are struggling to shed unwanted pounds then you may require some extra support. Hypnotherapy for weight loss, and gastric band hypnotherapy have proven successful alternative treatment options for many individuals, so if you would like to find out more about how they could help you, please visit their respective fact sheets.
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