"Sleep apnea is probably much more prevalent now, because we have a fatter country" (1:20)
Obesity and sleep apnea are closely related, says David Schulman, MD. And it's not just belly fat you should watch for.
Click the thumbnails below to watch more real stories.
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Apnea and Obesity
A big neck and a high BMI puts you at risk
( 1:20 )
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CPAP Therapy
You'll wish you'd tried it sooner
( 1:42 )
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Partners and Spouses
My wife convinced me to get tested
( 1:40 )
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A Lifesaving Machine
"I am confident that I will wake up"
( 2:09 )
Share Your Thoughts
Have you noticed a connection between sleep problems and your weight?
Being overweight increases your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea, even if you're not "fat" in a traditional, beer-bellied way, says David Schulman, MD, director of the Emory Sleep Disorders Laboratory in Atlanta. People with high BMIs and thick necks should also be screened for this dangerous sleep disorder.
Apnea and ObesityA big neck and a high BMI puts you at risk
CPAP TherapyYou'll wish you'd tried it sooner
Partners and SpousesMy wife convinced me to get tested
A Lifesaving Machine"I am confident that I will wake up"