Sleepiness and obesity.
Daytime Sleepiness is More Common in Obesity
Many obese individuals presenting with hypersomnolence will be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and their sleepiness will improve with effective therapy for sleep apnea. However a significant proportion of patients will continue to have hypersomnolence.
Clinical studies demonstrate that obesity without sleep apnea is also associated with a higher prevalence of hypersomnolence. High fat diet in both humans and animals is associated with hypersomnolence.
Treatments such as bariatric surgery can markedly improve hypersomnolence before resolution of obstructive sleep apnea.
There are complex relationships between hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory mechanisms potentially contributing to hypersomnolence in obesity, independent of sleep apnea.
