Is Your Snoring A Health Risk? (Part 2/2)

Is Your Snoring A Health Risk? (Part 2/2)
When you stop breathing in your sleep it's time to see a doctor for sleep apnoea

By Verlaine S. Ramos | Reprinted with permission from Ezyhealth & Beauty magazine

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Sleep apnoea

In some cases, snoring leads to sleep apnoea. In fact, snoring is the most common clinical symptom of sleep apnoea, says Dr Pang.

Sleep apnoea is when you stop breathing during sleep. The sleep apnoea that occurs among snorers is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), wherein the throat is blocked while one is sleeping.

“Patients may complain of frequent awakenings with a choking and gasping sensation, nocturia (frequent passing of urine at night), or nightmares,” shares Dr Pang.

People suffering from OSA may also feel very tired and irritable during daytime because of the disturbed sleep. They may even find it difficult to stay awake even when doing important tasks like driving.

Snore less and sleep better

Health and lifestyle modifications are essential to reduce one’s snoring. If you are overweight for your height, it’s necessary to shed off the excess kilos. Most doctors will not consider treatment for snoring unless you are near the correct weight and will firstly advise you to lose weight.

If you drink alcohol, consider the amount you drink and the effect it has on your snoring. Try to avoid it for a while and note if it will reduce your snoring. Similarly, consider giving up on your smoking and see the benefits.

If you still experience snoring or sleep apnoea even after doing these measures, it’s time to pay your doctor (an ENT specialist or a respiratory physician) a visit.

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Source: Is Your Snoring A Health Risk? (Part 2/2)