It is estimated that about 15% of the Singapore population suffers from varying degrees of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when upper airway collapses resulting in blockage during sleep. Obstruction can occur in the nose, at the soft palate level, behind the tongue or at the sides of our upper air passage. This obstruction leads to snoring, decreased oxygenation in the blood with sleep disruption and fragmentation. The resultant abnormality in sleep frequently leads to impairment in daytime function and significant physiological changes.

What are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Although almost all patients with sleep apnea suffer from loud snoring, patients may have a combination of the following signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:

Observed apnea (breathing cessation during sleep) Choking during sleep Sleep disruption (waking up frequently for no apparent reasons) Waking up in the morning feeling unrefreshed Excessive daytime tiredness

In addition patients may present with:

Morning headaches Inability to concentrate or focus while at work Intellectual deterioration, memory loss Personality changes - irritability, depression Decreased sex drives

What are some of your medical risks if not treated?

Apart from the social effects of snoring, there is an increased risk of heart problems which include high blood pressure (hypertension), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), heart attacks (myocardial infarction) and strokes. In addition, it has been shown that sleep deprived patients with significant sleep apnea are at higher risks of car accidents.

What should you do if you suspect you have OSA?

Because of the associated risks of OSA, anyone suffering from symptoms of OSA should see his medical doctor. A thorough sleep study and a full ear nose throat examination should be undertaken. The former helps to assess the severity of one's OSA (based on the level of oxygen and the frequency of breathing abnormality during the test) while the latter helps us ascertain where along the upper airway does obstruction(s) occur.