AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Background Obesity causes sleep disturbance and is the most significant risk factor for sleep apnea.

Detailed explanation-2: -Among the risk factors for OSA, obesity is probably the most important. Several cross-sectional studies have consistently found an association between increased body weight and the risk of OSA. Significant sleep apnea is present in ≈40% of obese individuals, 17 and ≈70% of OSA patients are obese.

Detailed explanation-3: -Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): OSA is a sleep disorder in which the airway partially or fully collapses, causing loud snoring and breathing issues at night. OSA is seven times more common. View Source in individuals who are obese.

Detailed explanation-4: -Obesity increases the risk of several debilitating, and deadly diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It does this through a variety of pathways, some as straightforward as the mechanical stress of carrying extra pounds and some involving complex changes in hormones and metabolism.

Detailed explanation-5: -As the medical community learns more about sleep apnea, several important links to excess body weight are emerging. Not only can excess weight cause sleep apnea, but it can worsen the symptoms and exacerbate its detrimental health effects. Insufficient sleep may also lead to weight gain, making it a vicious cycle.