Snoring, sometimes, is an indication of a health condition called sleep apnea in Singapore. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the person pauses their breathing in the middle of sleep and then resumes it after a few seconds. The person suffering from sleep apnea has difficulty in getting oxygen supply due to these breathing stops.
There are three primary sleep apnea types: obstructive, central and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by airway obstruction, such as collapsed throat muscle, while central sleep apnea happens due to improper signal exchange between the brain and muscles controlling breathing.
On the other hand, complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. All three can be managed and treated with the help of a sleep clinic in Singapore.
Here are the risk factors of sleep apnea:
1. WEIGHT
Having excess weight is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. The fat surrounding the muscles and airways in the chest and throat add pressure, causing them to collapse and obstruct breathing.
Your sleep specialist in Singapore may suggest losing weight to manage the symptoms of sleep apnea, which include snoring, restless night sleep, and dry mouth in the morning.
2. LARGE NECK CIRCUMFERENCE AND TONSILS
When a person has a large neck circumference, their airways are more narrow, becoming more prone to sleep apnea. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids also become an obstruction to the airways.
Males tend to have larger neck circumferences than females, therefore, are more susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea.
Meanwhile, large tonsils and adenoids are hereditary. Removing the tonsils and adenoids could be a part of snoring management and treatment in Singapore.
3. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL, SEDATIVES, AND TRANQUILISER
Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilisers have effects that relax the chest muscles. This effect could interfere with breathing and airways and exacerbate symptoms of sleep apnea.
4. AGE
Sleep apnea in Singapore occurs at any age; however, the chance of developing one increases as people get older. It is primarily because fatty tissues build up in the neck and tongue area, which could be an obstruction to the airways.
5. HORMONAL CHANGES
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, endocrine disorders, and hormone treatment can also trigger the onset of sleep apnea. Imbalanced hormones can alter the size and shape of the airways, tongue, and face.
Visit your sleep specialist in Singapore if you suspect sleep apnea for diagnosis and proper treatment.
Besides identifying the symptoms, knowing your risk factors help you prevent, manage, and treat sleep apnea.
Dr Gan Eng Cern – Sinus & ENT Specialist provides snoring treatment in Singapore. Visit Dr Gan Eng Cern – Sinus & ENT Specialist today.