Snore loudly or nod off at traffic signals? This may be a sign of a serious health issue

Serious Health Issue

Loud snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, or nodding off during daytime are among the signs of a serious health condition, a leading medical expert said.

Marking World Sleep Day, Dr. Subhashini PR, a specialist ENT and skull base surgeon at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah, emphasized that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent yet often overlooked health issue.

"Recognizing sleep apnea often involves noticing symptoms by bed partners such as snoring, intermittent gasping for breath during sleep, waking up with headaches, daytime sleepiness, and nodding off during routine activities like watching TV or waiting at traffic signals," Dr. Subhashini PR explained.

"Other symptoms may include fatigue, body aches, and muscle pain. Individuals with sleep apnea often feel unrested and find themselves easily falling asleep."

During sleep apnea, when the airway becomes obstructed, the brain detects insufficient oxygen and signals the body to wake up, Dr. Subhashini elaborated. This pattern can repeat throughout the night, sometimes as frequently as once per minute.

"When nasal airflow decreases, it can lead to a drop in oxygen saturation below 97 per cent," she added. "Men are typically more prone to obstructive sleep apnea than women due to factors such as increased tongue size and larger airways, which can lead to airway blockages during sleep."

Several leading researchers and journals have reported a day-night pattern of sudden death in individuals with OSA. The peak time for cardiac arrests in OSA patients, between midnight and 6 am, reflects the heightened risk during nighttime sleep. Dr. Subhashini highlighted how the body's natural fluctuations during these hours make breathing and heart function more challenging, leading to increased danger from sleep apnea-related complications.

Among the primary tests used for diagnosing sleep disorders is polysomnography, considered the gold standard. This comprehensive test monitors various parameters, providing a detailed picture of sleep patterns and any potential abnormalities.

"You should consider getting tested for OSA if you experience daytime sleepiness, have gained about 10kg in the last six months, have a family history of OSA combined with daytime sleepiness, or if you are hypertensive and multiple combinations of antihypertensive medications have not effectively lowered your blood pressure," Dr. Subhashini advised.

Symptoms indicating potential risk of OSA include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, awakening with a dry mouth, morning headache, difficulty staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty paying attention while awake, fatigue, body aches, muscle pain, and irritability.

Consulting a doctor upon recognizing any of these warning signs is crucial for prevention and treatment. By raising awareness about OSA and its symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps to address this serious health issue and improve their overall well-being.