Sleep Apnea, Obesity, and Hypertension: What Is the Link?
Hormonal impact of obesity, OSA, and hypertension
Obesity is associated with high levels of the hormones like ghrelin and leptin, and decreased levels of the hormones adiponectin and leptin. Ghrelin stimulates the appetite, while leptin acts as an appetite suppressant and also serves to modulate energy expenditure. Several studies have reported a correlation between defective sleep, increased ghrelin levels and decreased leptin production, suggesting that lack of sleep may contribute to the alteration of appetite regulation. However, studies investigating the effects of OSA specifically on these hormones have produced inconsistent results.
