Questions From Our Members - Sleep Apnea

Question from our member:

D. Davis of Newport Beach, California asks: 

“I am an obese man with sleep apnea.  My doctor has suggested that trimming my tongue fat may help with my sleep apena.  Is there any truth to this?”

Savon’s Answer:

Yes, it does appear that reducing tongue fat may help clear up obstructive sleep apena.  In a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers used a M.R.I. to measure the effect of weight loss on the upper airway in obese patients. They found that a reduction in tongue fat lessened the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms.

About 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, which can be a potentially fatal health condition.  Not only does it disrupt your sleep, it can increase your risk for high blood pressure and stroke.

Obesity is the primary risk factor for developing sleep apnea, but a recessed jaw or large tonsils can also be the cause.


Original post is from out February 2020 Newsletter!