Bumrungrad Health Briefing #68: The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea: What You Should Know
More than just snoring—sleep apnea could be putting your life at risk.
Sleep apnea is a serious and often overlooked condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, causing a temporary blockage of the airway. These pauses in breathing can occur hundreds of times a night—disrupting your sleep and your health.
Why Sleep Apnea Is Dangerous:
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including:
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High blood pressure – Repeated drops in oxygen increase blood pressure and strain the heart.
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Heart disease and stroke – Sleep apnea is associated with irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and higher risk of stroke.
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Type 2 diabetes – Poor sleep affects how your body uses insulin.
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Daytime fatigue – Fragmented sleep leads to poor focus, slower reaction times, and a higher risk of car accidents.
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Liver problems – Abnormal liver test results and fatty liver disease are more common.
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Complications during surgery – Sleep apnea increases the risk of breathing difficulties when under anesthesia.
Who’s at Risk?
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Individuals with obesity or large neck size
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Men, especially middle-aged
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People with chronic nasal congestion
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Those with enlarged tonsils or adenoids
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Anyone with a family history of sleep apnea
Signs to Watch For:
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Loud, persistent snoring
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Gasping or choking during sleep
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Waking up feeling unrefreshed
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Morning headaches
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Daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating
Getting Diagnosed and Treated:
If you suspect sleep apnea, don’t ignore it. A sleep study can confirm the diagnosis. Treatments may include:
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Lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, quitting smoking)
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CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure to keep airway open during sleep)
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Oral appliances (custom-fitted mouthpieces to keep airway open)
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Surgical options to open the airway (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), nasal surgery, Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS)
At Bumrungrad International Hospital, the ENT Centre works closely with sleep medicine and pulmonology specialists to offer comprehensive care for patients with sleep apnea. From advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive treatments and surgery, our team is committed to helping you sleep—and live—better.
Breathe better. Sleep deeper. Live healthier.
Provided by ENT Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital
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