Is your partner’s snoring so loud that it keeps you from falling asleep? Or perhaps you’re the one responsible for the loud snores at night. While snoring is often considered a harmless habit, it can sometimes signal a serious condition like sleep apnoea.
Loud, frequent snoring—especially when paired with other symptoms—could indicate a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We explore snoring and sleep apnoea, the risks of ignoring it, and what you can do to address it.
Table of Contents
What is sleep apnoea?
Loud snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea, but chronic, loud snoring with pauses in breathing is a red flag.
Other warning signs include gasping during sleep, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches.
What are the symptoms and risks of sleep apnoea?
Major risk factors of sleep apnoea include:
- Obesity: excess weight contributes to airway blockages. Obesity also leads to a whole lot of other health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Age: sleep apnoea is more common in men and older adults, but women, especially post-menopausal, are also at risk.
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the likelihood of sleep apnoea.
- Structural issues: enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum can also play a role.
- Daytime fatigue: if you cannot sleep from sleep apnoea, it can also affect productivity and increase the risk of accidents.
Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health risks like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.
How is sleep apnoea diagnosed in Singapore?
Head to a doctor if you constantly snore or feel sleepy during the day despite sufficient sleep. Your doctor will then evaluate you through a physical examination known as a nasopharyngoscopy to check your nose, mouth and throat for any obstruction.
You can also undergo go a sleep study, which involves staying overnight in a sleep lab for a diagnostic polysomnography (PSG). The test checks how well you sleep, breathe, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, and muscle activity.
An alternative is a portable home sleep test — a take-home test where you attach small sensors to your body. The test measures breathing patterns and oxygen levels while you sleep.
Another is the Belun Ring, a wearable medical device that measures oxygen levels, pulse rate, sleep stages, Apnoea Hypopnea Index, nervous system response, and movement to provide valuable insights into your sleep quality and identify any potential sleep-related issues. The Belun Ring is available for loan upon doctor’s consultation at the following Parkway Shenton clinics:
• Parkway Shenton Republic Plaza
What are the treatment options for sleep apnoea in Singapore?
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options for sleep apnoea include:
- Lifestyle changes: losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, myofunctional therapy, breathing exercises, and sleeping on your side can reduce snoring and improve symptoms.
- Medical treatments: CPAP therapy, oral appliances such as mandibular advancement splints, and surgery are effective treatments for sleep apnoea.
Health insurance coverage in Singapore for sleep apnoea treatment
In Singapore, sleep apnoea diagnostic tests and treatments (CPAP machines or oral appliances) may be covered by your health insurance.
AIA’s Absolute Critical Cover is currently the only insurance provider in Singapore that provides coverage for sleep apnoea. It provides coverage of up to $10,000 under a pre-early benefit and up to $25,000 under a special conditions benefit.
Meanwhile, Medisave can subsidise some in-hospital costs while Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) can cover further inpatient stays if needed.
It’s best to review your insurance policy to understand coverage limits, exclusions, and pre-authorisation requirements. Use our Coverage Checker to help you assess your current coverage and identify gaps.
Take action if you suspect you have sleep apnoea
Loud snoring can be more than just a nuisance—it could be a sign of sleep apnoea, a condition with serious health risks. Taking steps to address snoring and sleep apnoea can improve your health and quality of life.
If you suspect sleep apnoea, consult a doctor and review your health insurance coverage to ensure you’re prepared.
