How to Know If You Have Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common but often overlooked sleep disorder that affects both quality of rest and overall health. Understanding the symptoms and risks is critical for individuals experiencing persistent snoring or excessive fatigue.
In a country like Singapore, where urban stress and lifestyle habits can contribute to sleep issues, recognising the warning signs early is the first step toward getting the proper sleep apnea treatment.
Recognising the Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Loud, persistent snoring is the most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. What differentiates the condition is the presence of breathing interruptions during sleep. These pauses may last from a few seconds to over a minute and often occur repeatedly throughout the night. Individuals may wake up gasping for air or with a dry mouth, which are signs the body is repeatedly jolted awake. Morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, and excessive daytime sleepiness are some other symptoms. These effects result from interrupted sleep, which is brought on by the brain not receiving enough oxygen during the night.
Risk Factors That Increase Susceptibility
Sleep apnea is more prone to develop in those with specific physical characteristics or medical disorders. Obesity is the most significant risk factor, particularly for obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form. An excessive amount of weight around the neck may impede airway flow. Other contributing factors include a thick neck circumference, a narrowed airway, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a family history of the disorder. Men are also more likely than women to have sleep apnea, although risk increases in postmenopausal women. These variables are especially critical in Singapore, where sedentary lifestyles and high levels of stress are common.
Why Snoring Should Not Be Ignored
While snoring is often brushed off as a harmless annoyance, persistent and disruptive snoring may be a red flag. It may be time to explore snoring treatment in Singapore if your partner reports choking sounds, abrupt awakenings, or you feel unrefreshed after a full night’s sleep. Clinics specialising in sleep health can conduct thorough assessments, including questionnaires and physical examinations, to determine if further evaluation is needed. Since untreated sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, early detection is critical.
ALSO READ: How to Stop Snoring: Four Practical Tips for a Quiet Night
Getting Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea
A sleep study, either at home or in a sleep facility, is usually required for diagnosis. Many hospitals and private clinics offer overnight polysomnography or home-based sleep tests, which measure airflow, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns. These examinations aid in identifying the presence and severity of sleep apnea. Sleep specialists will use this data to recommend appropriate next steps for sleep apnea treatment, depending on whether the condition is mild, moderate, or severe.
Treatment Options You Should Know
Sleep apnea treatment varies based on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the most common solutions. It involves wearing a mask that delivers consistent air pressure to keep the airway open. Alternatives such as oral appliances prescribed by dental specialists or positional therapy may be effective for patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Surgery might be necessary to remove airway obstructions in more severe cases. Access to these services is readily available across the city-state through both public healthcare institutions and private sleep clinics.
When to Seek Professional Help
Do not delay seeking medical advice if you suspect you may have sleep apnea. Start with a general practitioner who can refer you to an ENT specialist or a sleep centre for further assessment. Many facilities offering snoring treatment can also provide guidance on whether your symptoms warrant a formal diagnosis. Left untreated, sleep apnea not only affects sleep quality but also raises the risk of long-term health complications.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea in Singapore is more prevalent than most people realise, and symptoms can easily go unnoticed without proper evaluation. Understanding the signs, especially loud snoring, fatigue, and breathing pauses, is essential. Patients can restore restful sleep and reduce the risk of related health issues with early diagnosis and tailored sleep apnea treatment. Consult a professional and explore available snoring treatment if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms.
Visit Dr Jenica Yong to find out if you’re dealing with undiagnosed sleep apnea.
