Nighttime Choking, Daytime Cravings: How Poor Sleep Drives Emotional Eating

If you've ever found yourself reaching for snacks you didn’t even want after a poor night’s sleep, you're not alone. There’s a growing body of research linking sleep issues—especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—to emotional eating and weight gain.¹ But how exactly does struggling to breathe at night make us crave that second slice of cake the next day?

OSA is a common sleep disorder affecting around 20% of the population.² It’s characterised by repeated blockages of the upper airway during sleep, causing choking sensations, disrupted breathing, and frequent night-time awakenings. For some, these events happen dozens of times per hour. The result? Broken sleep, low oxygen levels, and a body that wakes up feeling anything but rested.³

What’s less commonly discussed is the ripple effect OSA can have during daylight hours—particularly when it comes to our eating habits. Research shows that when sleep is disrupted, especially over long periods, it can significantly affect how we eat. Poor sleep reduces impulse control, increases emotional reactivity, and makes it harder to say no to that tub of ice cream.¹

Several studies have shown that people with inadequate sleep are more likely to engage in emotional and uncontrolled eating—often driven by stress, fatigue, or low mood.¹ In fact, emotional eating has been shown to mediate the relationship between poor sleep and obesity.⁴ In other words, lack of quality sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it alters your appetite and makes you more prone to overeating, particularly unhealthy, high-calorie foods.

And the connection goes both ways. Around 60–90% of people living with OSA are also overweight or are living with obesity.¹ Weight gain, especially around the neck and upper abdomen, narrows the airway and increases the risk of OSA.⁴ Meanwhile, untreated OSA contributes to further weight gain via poor sleep and emotional eating, creating a vicious cycle.^1,4 The combination of OSA and obesity also dramatically increases the risk of developing serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.⁴ Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help break this cycle—starting with addressing the OSA itself.

A highly effective treatment is CPAP therapy which works by gently blowing a steady stream of air through a mask worn during sleep, which keeps the airway open, eliminating symptoms.³

If you often wake up feeling tired, experience choking or gasping in your sleep, or find yourself battling food cravings during the day, it might be time to look beyond willpower and consider what's happening overnight. Sleep isn't just about rest—it’s about restoration. When it’s disrupted, every part of your health, including your ability to regulate food intake, is affected.

If these symptoms sound familiar, speak with your doctor. Treating sleep apnea not only improves your sleep quality—it may also help you regain control over your appetite, mood, and long-term health.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

1. Cassidy, Siobhán, et al. “Examining the Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Eating Behaviours and Attitudes: A Systematic Review.” Appetite, vol. 181, Feb. 2023, p. 106390, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2022.106390. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022.
2. “OSA - Prevalence.” Www.sleepprimarycareresources.org.au, www.sleepprimarycareresources.org.au/osa/epidemiology.
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2020, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dangers-of-uncontrolled-sleep-apnea.
4. Zerón-Rugerio, María Fernanda, et al. “Are Emotional Eating and Other Eating Behaviors the Missing Link in the Relationship between Inadequate Sleep and Obesity? A Systematic Review.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 10, 12 May 2023, p. 2286, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102286.