Do you or your spouse snore loudly? Are you tired during the day even after a full night's sleep? You may be suffering from sleep apnea, a dangerous ailment that is defined by periods of interrupted breathing during sleep.

Being overweight or obese puts you at a higher risk of developing this condition. The good news is that losing weight on the South Beach Diet can help.

Excess weight, especially around the neck, can obstruct the breathing passages. In the most common form of sleep apnea (known as obstructive sleep apnea), the muscles in the soft palate and larynx collapse, blocking the flow of air to the lungs. The brain, recognizing a decrease of oxygen in the blood, sends a signal to the body to arouse it from sleep to take a breath.

In addition to preventing a good night's sleep, sleep apnea is associated with a higher incidence of high blood pressure and an increased chance of heart failure or stroke. It also affects your ability to stay awake during the day: You may find yourself unable to stay awake at work, while watching TV, or even while driving.

Losing weight may relieve the obstruction, lessen snoring, and help you (or your loved one) breathe easier — and therefore sleep more peacefully. Best of all, following the healthy eating principles of the South Beach Diet can also help lower your risk of the life-threatening conditions associated with sleep apnea.

While losing weight can help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, if you believe you suffer from the condition, it's important to consult your doctor (who can monitor the condition and recommend other treatments as needed).

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