If you follow the news, then you’ve probably heard about the newest weight loss drugs that can let you lose as much as 20% of your body weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This has potentially huge implications for your sleep. In fact, the latest news reports that the weight loss and diabetes drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide may help improve<\/a> the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n This article will explore everything you need to know about semaglutide and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Semaglutide and drugs like it, such as tirzepatide, act on the brain receptors that are connected to specific hormones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Originally intended to help manage\u00a0type 2 diabetes<\/a>, semaglutide\u2019s role in regulating blood sugar and contributing to weight loss has made it the new \u201cit\u201d drug for significant weight loss.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor for Sleepopolis<\/a>, says semaglitude basically acts like a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt helps your pancreas release insulin when your blood sugar is high, decrease the release of glucagon which tells your liver to make glucose (sugar), slows down how fast your stomach empties after meals, and makes you feel less hungry overall,\u201d he explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dasgupta says although semaglutide is not directly linked to better sleep, the weight loss it can bring might help you enjoy better shuteye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShedding pounds can often improve your sleep quality by tackling issues like obstructive sleep apnea<\/a> and snoring<\/a>,\u201d he explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can vary from person to person. \u201cSome people might notice better sleep regardless of weight loss due to the changes in their overall health and habits from using semaglutide,\u201d says Dasgupta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, founder and CEO of Super Sleep MD<\/a>, says the reasons some report improved sleep while taking semaglutide aren\u2019t clear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe mechanism behind this isn\u2019t fully understood,\u201d she says, \u201cbut it\u2019s believed to be linked to the drug\u2019s effects on metabolism<\/a> and weight loss rather than a direct effect on sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people using semaglutide report having insomnia<\/a>. But it\u2019s important to bear in mind that insomnia is a common condition, Wells says, and changes in food intake can contribute to insomnia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She says this is why, \u201cwhen taking highly effective GLP-1 weight loss medications, it\u2019s important to consume sufficient amounts of protein and unprocessed foods.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n She adds that it\u2019s also a healthy practice to stop eating three hours before bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obstructive sleep apnea is most commonly associated with excess weight. Weight loss is the best-known way to treat and possibly even reverse OSA.\u00a0But maintaining weight loss, as anyone knows who has tried, can be very challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Semaglutide could reduce the severity of sleep apnea in some individuals,\u00a0but \u201cbecause there are multiple causes and contributors to OSA, weight loss does not always result in a sleep apnea cure,\u201d notes Wells.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why it\u2019s important to continue treatment of sleep apnea while losing weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPremature discontinuation of therapy can lead to weight regain,\u201d Wells says. On the other hand, she says that other treatment options could open up if weight loss does result in reduced OSA severity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent research<\/a> of the weight loss drug tirzepatide found a significant benefit for OSA. It reduced weight by an average of 18.1% and also reduced OSA sleep disruptions by up to 63%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some report having insomnia or feeling fatigued while taking semaglutide. Dasgupta recommends evaluating and addressing the many other causes that could contribute to insomnia or fatigue. In general, he says, it\u2019s important to stay hydrated<\/a>, eat well, and exercise regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you\u2019re having trouble sleeping while taking semaglutide, it\u2019s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it to figure out a new treatment plan or rule out underlying sleep disorders,” says Dasgupta. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Semaglutide can make some people feel tired. The symptom is rare and usually goes away over time. Bear in mind that your tiredness on semaglutide is likely due to the reduced blood sugar and lower intake of calories that result from taking the drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHealthy lifestyle practices are absolutely necessary to be successful with weight loss and weight management,\u201d says Wells. She explains that this includes getting adequate sleep<\/a> and practicing daytime behaviors that support quality sleep, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFirst be sure you evaluate and address the many other causes of fatigue first with your healthcare provider,” adds Dasgupta. “If the fatigue becomes chronic, talk to your doctor about it to discuss possible adjustments to your treatment plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is semaglutide?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does semaglutide affect sleep?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Semaglutide and sleep apnea <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why am I not sleeping well on semaglutide? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does semaglutide cause sleepiness? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you overcome fatigue from semaglutide? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n