Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can disrupt sleep for both the patient and their bedpartner due to loud snoring and gasping. SG Medical in Singapore offers CPAP therapy solutions to help manage OSA and restore restful sleep.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep. This relaxation causes the soft tissues at the back of the throat to collapse, temporarily blocking the upper airway.

 

These blockages can lead to partial interruptions in breathing—called hypopneas, or complete pauses in breathing—known as apneas, each lasting at least 10 seconds. In severe cases, an apnea event can last over a minute, significantly reducing oxygen levels in the blood.

 

When oxygen levels drop, the brain sends a signal to wake the body just enough to reopen the airway. Although this helps restore breathing, it disrupts the natural sleep cycle. These interruptions may happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, severely affecting sleep quality and leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Common Symptoms of OSA

People with OSA may experience:

 

• Loud and frequent snoring

• Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner)

• Choking, gasping, or snorting sounds during sleep

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Morning headaches

• Difficulty focusing

• Irritability or mood changes

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition:

 

1. Weight (Obesity)

Excess weight is one of the strongest risk factors. Fat deposits around the upper airway can block normal breathing during sleep.

 

2. Anatomical Features

A thick neck, narrow throat, enlarged tonsils, or a recessed jaw can contribute to airway obstruction.

 

3. Age

The risk of OSA increases with age, especially after middle age, as muscle tone in the throat tends to decrease.

 

4. Gender

Men are more likely to develop OSA compared to women. However, the risk in women rises after menopause.

 

5. Family History

A family history of OSA may indicate a genetic predisposition to the condition.

 

6. Alcohol or Sedative Use

These substances relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the risk of airway collapse during sleep.

 

7. Smoking

Smoking can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, worsening breathing problems during sleep.

 

8. Nasal Congestion

People who have difficulty breathing through the nose—due to allergies or structural issues—may be more prone to OSA.

 

9. Certain Medical Conditions

Health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hypothyroidism are associated with an increased risk of OSA.

How is OSA Measured?

OSA is typically assessed using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which measures the average number of apnea (complete stoppage of breathing) and hypopnea (partial blockage) events per hour of sleep.
 
According to the Sleep Foundation, AHI scores for adults are divided into the following categories:

Adult AHI

Pediatric AHI

Mild OSA

≥ 5 to < 15 events per hour

≥ 1 to ≤ 5 events per hour

Moderate OSA

≥ 15 to < 30 events per hour

> 5 to ≤ 10 events per hour

Severe OSA

≥ 30 events per hour

> 10 events per hour

Reference: Sleep Foundation – Understanding the Apnea-Hypopnea Index for Adults and Children

Why is OSA a Concern?

Left untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) doesn’t just disrupt your sleep—it can lead to or worsen serious health conditions:

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Depression and anxiety

• Poor memory and focus

• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

• Weight gain and obesity

• Surgical and anesthesia complications

• Worsening of existing conditions (e.g., asthma, GERD)

• Developmental issues in children

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