It’s Not Just Simple Snoring, It’s Sleep Apnea
Not Just Simple Snoring, but Apnea
Are you dismissing your snoring as something trivial? If you wake up with a sore or scratchy throat, or you still feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, it could be a warning sign. This becomes more noticeable after your 30s when weight gain or lifestyle changes start to affect your sleep quality. In such cases, it might not just be simple fatigue—you may need to suspect sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study (polysomnography). If, during sleep, you snore and then stop breathing for more than 10 seconds, it is considered significant. Less than 5 episodes per hour is seen as normal, while over 30 is classified as severe sleep apnea. Studies show that about 15% of adults in Korea suffer from sleep apnea, and most of them are patients with obstructive sleep apnea, caused when the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
If you were not a snorer before but suddenly got diagnosed with sleep apnea, it usually means airflow is not passing smoothly through your nose and throat. Drinking alcohol frequently or simply aging can reduce the muscle tone of the throat tissues, increasing the chance of snoring and sleep apnea.
In addition, chronic fatigue or stress can cause your muscles to relax even more, leading to apnea episodes. Allergies, sinus infections, or other nasal blockages can also trigger it. Being overweight is another strong risk factor—extra fat around the neck can narrow the airway, causing blockage during sleep.
Could I Have Sleep Apnea?
Often, it’s family or friends who notice the symptoms first, but it’s not easy to judge by yourself whether you are a patient. If you experience any of the following signs, you may need to suspect sleep apnea:
-
You snore loudly.
-
You gasp or choke during sleep.
-
You wake up with a sore throat.
-
You urinate frequently at night.
-
You often wake up sweating.
-
Your throat feels very dry and irritated in the morning.
-
You feel fatigued all day long.
-
You notice reduced memory or concentration.
-
You experience erectile dysfunction or reduced libido.
-
You have trouble sleeping and your weight keeps increasing.
If you checked five or more of these symptoms, there is a strong chance of sleep apnea. However, for a clear diagnosis, you should undergo a sleep study.
Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Sudden Death
Sleep apnea is far from being just snoring. On the surface, it can make people socially withdrawn. Many avoid sleeping next to their partners, leading to conflicts in relationships. Beyond that, it reduces concentration, affects work performance, and may even contribute to cognitive decline or depression.
More seriously, sleep apnea can rapidly raise blood sugar and blood pressure. Normally, during sleep, both the body and the brain rest, and blood sugar levels naturally drop. However, in sleep apnea patients, the airway repeatedly collapses, forcing the brain to wake up. This consumes more energy and glucose, which causes blood sugar to rise. At the same time, lack of oxygen in the body makes the cardiovascular system work harder, raising blood pressure.
Studies show that 50% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea also have high blood pressure, and about 30% of high blood pressure patients also suffer from sleep apnea. These complications can become so severe that, in extreme cases, sleep apnea may even lead to sudden death. Clearly, it is not something to ignore as “just snoring.”
How to Treat Sleep Apnea
If you suspect sleep apnea, the first step is to visit an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist and get a consultation. A sleep study will confirm whether or not you have apnea. If diagnosed, there are two main treatment options: using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine or undergoing surgery.
Surgery, however, is not always perfect. Options include removing the uvula to tighten the throat area, performing laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, or nasal surgery to open blocked passages. But the success rate is only about 50%, and symptoms often recur. Because of this, doctors usually recommend CPAP treatment first.
The CPAP device is worn during sleep and works by blowing air into the airway, preventing it from collapsing. It looks somewhat similar to an oxygen mask. There are cases where patients’ apnea frequency dropped from 60 times to almost zero after six months of using CPAP. However, many patients find it inconvenient since it has to be worn every night, carried even on trips, and often requires sleeping separately from family members. Still, it is currently the most effective treatment and is covered by health insurance.
As the saying goes, “Sleep is the best medicine.” Conversely, poor sleep can lead to countless health problems. The exact cause of sleep apnea is not clear, and not everyone with a large body frame gets it. Unfortunately, there is no perfect cure. Surgery results are uncertain, and aside from using CPAP and losing weight, treatment options remain limited. Some oral medications are under development abroad, but they are not yet available.
Despite being a dangerous condition, with early diagnosis and consistent management, you can lower the risks. Don’t dismiss snoring as harmless—getting tested and prepared early can help prevent life-threatening situations.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
