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Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more several times an hour when you're asleep. You may also snore heavily.

You may wake up often in the night. This can leave you feeling tired and irritable during the day. It can also lead to high blood pressure and an irregular heart beat. Sleep apnea may also damage your blood vessels because they don't get enough oxygen when you stop breathing.

To read more, see our information on Sleep apnea.

Here's what we know about the link between sleep apnea and obesity:^{1 2 3}

• If you're obese, you're more likely to have sleep apnea.
• Having too much fat in your neck can cause sleep apnea. When you sleep, the muscles in and around your windpipe relax, the tissues then block your airway and briefly stop you from breathing. You wake up each time your breathing stops.
• It's more common in men who are obese than in women who are obese.
• Losing 10 percent of your weight can make sleep apnea half as severe.¹

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.