About 15 per cent of Singapore’s population has obstructive sleep apnoea

This compares with 15 to 20 per cent for Asians in general and about 25 per cent in Koreans. While the smaller body skeletal structure among Asians tends to be the cause of the disorder, obesity is the main cause for Caucasians.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects more men than women

Patients tend to be males in their 30s or 40s, and the incidence tends to rise in women after menopause.

Not all snorers suffer from sleep apnoea, but patients with sleep apnea all snore

Soft, rhythmic snoring is usually harmless. But if the snoring becomes loud and changes in intensity, it may be indicative of obstructive sleep apnea.

Severity gauge

The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI ) measures the number of complete airway blockages (apnoea) and partial obstructions (hypopnea) that occur every hour during sleep. An AHI of 5-15 is considered mild, 15-30 is moderate, and a value greater than 30 is deemed severe.

Blood oxygen levels

Ideally, blood should have at least 95 per cent oxygen. A little dip below that mark is still acceptable, but anything less than 90 per cent is not healthy.

Cure rates

When the AHI is less than five, patients are considered cured. In very severe cases, surgery that reduces AHI to less than 20 is deemed successful.

To help snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea

1. Reduce weight
2. Avoid alcohol or medication that aids sleep as these relax the muscles at the back of the throat and cause obstruction
3. Sleep on one side or on the stomach, instead of facing up, to prevent the tongue and soft palate from collapsing against the back of the throat
4. Clear a blocked nose with medication recommended by a doctor or pharmacist
5. Use dental appliances that reposition the lower jaw and tongue during sleep

For moderate to severe sleep apnea

• Use a CPAP device to keep the airways open during sleep
• Undergo surgery to enlarge the back of the throat

Ref: T12