The Sound of Silence

Loud snoring? Daytime sleepiness? These could be signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a serious condition affecting one in three Singaporeans yet often goes undiagnosed. Take the first step – assess your risk easily from your mobile device. 

When someone has Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), their breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep – sometimes hundreds of times each night. These breathing pauses (apnoeas) happen because relaxed throat muscles let soft tissues collapse, blocking air flow. 

A 2016 study revealed that while one in three Singaporeans has OSA, a shocking 90% remain undiagnosed. This means a significant portion of the population is unaware of the potential long-term health risks associated with this condition. The study also found that moderate-to-severe OSA affected 32.1% of Chinese, 33.8% of Malays, and 16.5% of Indians.

Beyond the Midnight Chokes

While snoring is often the most noticeable symptom, it is important to recognise other potential indicators of OSA. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, speak to your doctor about getting assessed for OSA.

Common Misconceptions

One main reason many OSA cases go undiagnosed is due to common misconceptions surrounding snoring and sleep health, according to Dr Phua Chu Qin, Consultant, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital. 

Common beliefs that prevent individuals from seeking medical attention include:

• Snoring is normal and hereditary: While it may run in families, loud snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing is not normal and requires medical evaluation.
• Only overweight people snore: People of normal weight can also develop OSA due to jaw structure, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or decreased muscle tone in the throat.
• Only men snore: Women can also experience OSA, particularly as they age, go through menopause, or gain weight.
• Snoring is not dangerous: Many dismiss snoring as a mere nuisance, unaware of the potential health risks associated with it. However, snoring with breathing pauses can lead to decreased oxygen levels, increased blood pressure, and strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for encouraging timely diagnosis and treatment. 

Long-term Consequences

Untreated OSA can lead to several serious long-term health consequences, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): OSA puts strain on your heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Heart problems: OSA can contribute to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart failure, and an increased risk of heart attack.
• Stroke: OSA significantly elevates the risk of stroke due to decreased oxygen levels and increased strain on blood vessels.
• Type 2 diabetes: OSA can worsen insulin resistance, increasing diabetes risk.
• Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• Liver problems: OSA can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Increased risk of accidents: Daytime sleepiness significantly increases the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery. 

Understanding these risks highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

Think You Have OSA? Try the STOP-BANG quiz

For those concerned about OSA, the Health Buddy app offers a convenient starting point. The app's Sleep Apnoea care feature (found under Specialty Care) provides self-assessment tools to evaluate your risk of OSA, as well as offer information about OSA, its risks, and treatment options. The feature also gives users access to care by connecting them with healthcare professionals for further evaluation. 

One of the tools includes the STOP-BANG questionnaire, a self-assessment tool that helps gauge your risk for OSA. It asks questions about Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnoea, blood Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender (STOP-BANG).

A higher score indicates a greater risk and suggests the need for further evaluation. However, even with a low score, individuals with concerns are encouraged to consult a doctor.

If you suspect you may have OSA, do not hesitate to use the app and consult with a healthcare professional. By providing readily available information in an accessible format, the app empowers individuals to take control of their sleep health.

For those already diagnosed with OSA, this Sleep Apnoea care tool also offers information on the importance of treatment, exercises to reduce snoring, and activity tools to track symptoms using a snore tracker and sleep quality.

Remember, better sleep isn’t just about quieter nights – it’s about managing OSA better through early detection and proactive care. Health Buddy’s Sleep Apnoea care tool can help you take steps towards reducing chances of OSA and improving overall well-being!