Snoring & Sleep Apnoea

Sleep Apnoea is a medical condition characterised by recurrent cessations of breathing or decreased breathing during sleep. It is part of a spectrum of condition known as sleep disordered breathing.

An episode of apnoea is defined as cessation of breathing for more than 10 seconds.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea include

• Loud snoring in most positions
• Observed apnoea by sleep partners or family members
• Awakened from sleep by gasping, choking or with sense of dread or anxiety
• Excessive daytime sleepiness e.g. falling asleep easily while reading, watching TV and driving
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Abnormal nocturnal activities e.g. sleep walking, periodic limb movement, night sweats, reduced libido, and frequent visits to the toilet at night
• Morning Headaches
• Poor concentration and memory

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is linked to the following Medical Conditions

• High Blood Pressure
• Ischaemic Heart Disease & Heart Attacks
• Strokes
• Diabetes Mellitis
• Obesity
• Increase risk of dying

When one holds one’s breath, the oxygen level in the blood drops and the body senses this. The heart will react by working harder to pump blood around the body. Over time this leads to significant stress of the heart and circulatory system resulting in high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attacks. After some time, the body reacts by lightening of sleep and taking deep breaths to replenish the oxygen. The chronic lack of oxygen also leaves the individual tired and inattentive during the day. Sleep is also disturbed, as the sufferer could not enter into deep sleep for significant periods due to lack of oxygen. A study in the US suggested that there is a 30% increased risk of dying in sleep apnoeic patients compared to normal individuals when followed up over a period of 9 years.

Treatment of OSA may reverse the severity of the associated medical conditions.

What to expect at a visit our Centre?
Sleep Study

Outpatient Procedures for Snoring & Mild Sleep Apnoea

• Video Nasoscopy
• Radiofrequency Stiffening of the Palate
• Radiofrequency Reduction of the Turbinate
• Radiofrequency Reduction of Tonsils & Tongue Base
• PILLAR Implant
• Reshaping of Palate

Book an appointment with HealthSense Specialist Dr. YT Pang to look at your ENT problems and get cured.