Home / Sleep Medicine

Sleep Medicine

Sleep Disorders and Obesity: An Integrated Approach

Poor sleep and excess weight reinforce each other. That’s why W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep in Northeast Philadelphia treats both sides of the problem—combining physician-supervised sleep medicine with medical weight loss and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to improve energy, appetite control, metabolic health, and long-term outcomes.

How Sleep Problems Drive Weight Gain (and Vice Versa)

  • Hormonal effects: Short or fragmented sleep raises ghrelin (hunger) and lowers leptin (satiety), increasing cravings.

  • Metabolic disruption: Sleep apnea and insomnia are linked to insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, and elevated inflammatory markers.

  • Fatigue cycle: Daytime sleepiness reduces physical activity, while late-night wakefulness promotes snacking.

  • Weight → sleep problems: Excess neck and abdominal fat increase the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring.

Philadelphia Sleep Medicine Services

Comprehensive evaluation & testing

  • Board-certified sleep physician consultation

  • Polysomnography (overnight sleep study)

  • Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT)

  • Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) for hypersomnia/narcolepsy

  • Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

Therapies & titrations

  • CPAP, Auto-PAP, BiPAP initiation and optimization

  • Adaptive pressure ventilation titrations

  • Oral appliance therapy (when appropriate)

Condition-specific care

  • Sleep apnea: CPAP/BiPAP, oral appliances, weight-focused strategies

  • Insomnia: CBT-I, medication management, sleep scheduling

  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) / PLMD: iron status review, meds, lifestyle

  • Narcolepsy / hypersomnia: medication management, safety planning

  • Parasomnias (sleepwalking, night terrors, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder)

  • Circadian rhythm disorders (ASPS, DSPS, jet lag, shift-work): light therapy, timed melatonin, schedule design

  • Snoring: behavioral and device-based options

Ongoing support

  • Follow-up care and case management

  • Sleep hygiene education and relapse-prevention coaching

  • Referrals to collaborating specialists when needed

Many W8MD centers (including Poly-Tech Sleep Services in Philadelphia) maintain American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) accreditation standards for diagnostic quality and safety.

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): The Bridge Between Sleep and Weight

When sleep disorders and weight gain co-exist, MNT ties the program together:

  • Personalized nutrition plans (low-glycemic or keto-friendly options available)

  • LCD/VLCD/PSMF pathways with physician monitoring when fast, safe loss is indicated

  • Meal replacements (optional) to simplify protein and calorie targets

  • Behavior coaching for meal timing, late-night eating, & environment design

  • Lab-guided care to address insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, and cardiometabolic risk

Why Choose W8MD Philadelphia

  • Integrated care: Sleep medicine + medical weight loss under one roof

  • Physician-supervised, insurance-friendly visits (coverage varies by plan)

  • FDA-approved medication options (when appropriate) to support appetite control

  • Device support: CPAP/Auto-PAP/BiPAP setup, comfort optimization, adherence coaching

  • Long-term maintenance: Structured plans to protect results after the scale moves

FAQs

Is treating sleep apnea really necessary for weight loss?
Yes. Addressing OSA improves energy, reduces nighttime awakenings, and supports appetite regulation—making weight loss easier and more sustainable.

Can I try a very-low-calorie diet on my own?
No. VLCD/PSMF require medical supervision, baseline labs, and follow-ups for safety.

Do I need medications?
Not necessarily. Meds are adjuncts. Many patients succeed with MNT, behavior tools, and sleep optimization alone.

Get Help for Sleep & Weight—Together

Call to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll coordinate sleep testing, design a nutrition plan, and—if appropriate—initiate PAP therapy and/or FDA-approved weight-loss medications as part of your personalized care.

Contact & Locations — W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep

Philadelphia (Primary – Northeast Philadelphia)
W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep
1718 Welsh Road, 2nd Floor, Ste C
Philadelphia, PA 19115
Phone: (215) 676-2334

New York City
2632 East 21st Street, Ste L3
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: (718) 946-5500

SEO Keywords: Philadelphia sleep medicine, sleep apnea Philadelphia, CPAP Philadelphia, insomnia treatment Philadelphia, RLS treatment Philadelphia, circadian rhythm disorder Philadelphia, medical weight loss Philadelphia, Medical Nutrition Therapy Philadelphia, weight loss doctor Philadelphia, VLCD Philadelphia.