What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea refers to the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. In Hong Kong, an estimated ＊280,000 people—about 5% of the population—are affected by this condition.

Due to inadequate oxygen supply, the brain and other organs may not receive enough oxygen, and some individuals may briefly wake up during sleep. Although these awakenings are not often remembered, sleep is still disrupted. Over time, this can lead to sleep deprivation, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty focusing. People who drive or operate heavy machinery may face an increased risk of serious accidents due to fatigue.

＊Chest 2001 Jan; 119(1): 62-9 A community study of sleep-disordered breathing in middle-aged Chinese men in Hong Kong

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Snoring during sleep

• Snoring during sleep
• Dozing off easily during the day while reading, in meetings, or watching TV
• Intermittent breathing pauses during sleep
• Breathing through the mouth while sleeping
• Morning headaches
• Daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating
• Increased mood swings and irritability
• Decreased memory
• Reduced sexual function

3 Main Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are three main types, and understanding them can help guide the most suitable treatment approach. Identify the type of sleep apnea to receive the right care in Hong Kong from the start.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This is the most common type of sleep apnea and is extremely prevalent in Hong Kong. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close. Snoring is often a key symptom, and breathing interruptions may happen frequently throughout the night.

Central Sleep Apnea

Unlike obstructive types, central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. People with this type may experience pauses in breathing without noticeable physical blockage.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central types. It may begin as central sleep apnea and later develop characteristics of airway blockage. Diagnosis often requires more detailed testing and evaluation.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

According to research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine, the prevalence of sleep apnea in adult males is as high as 4%, with men under 50 years old having 2-3 times higher risk than women. However, after age 50, the gender difference narrows.

Common risk factors, in addition to age and obesity, include a small jaw, short neck, enlarged tonsils, severe allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, hypertension, heart disease, and hypothyroidism. Furthermore, poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking before sleep, also increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.

Health Complications Linked to Sleep Apnea

More than just disrupted sleep, sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health consequences. This is true for anyone affected, including those managing sleep apnea in Hong Kong.

Some of the most common conditions it may lead to include:

• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Memory decline
• Glaucoma
• Acid reflux
• Increased risk of traffic accidents due to daytime fatigue and drowsiness

What is the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)?

AHI is a crucial indicator for measuring the severity of sleep apnea, representing the number of apnea or hypopnea events per hour of sleep.

• Normal (AHI: <5): Less than 5 times/hour
• Mild (AHI: 5–15): 5–15 times/hour
• Moderate (AHI: 16–30): 16–30 times/hour
• Severe (AHI: >30): More than 30 times/hour

How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

A sleep study is the most accurate diagnostic method for determining sleep disorders. Patients need to wear sensors and sleep for about 5 to 6 hours. During the test, multiple sensors are connected to monitor data, including electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood oxygen saturation. This data is then analyzed to determine the number of breathing interruptions per hour, providing a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s sleep quality and breathing status.

What Does a Sleep Study Monitor?

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Electrooculogram (EOG)
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Respiratory airflow
• Thoracoabdominal movement
• Blood oxygen
• Snoring sound
• Calf movement
• Sleeping position
• Blood pressure

To learn more about sleep study procedures for sleep apnea in Hong Kong, contact HomeCare Medical now.

In-Home Testing for Sleep Apnea

An in-home sleep test offers a convenient way to monitor your breathing patterns overnight in a familiar setting. For individuals being evaluated for sleep apnea in Hong Kong, it provides an accessible and comfortable alternative to hospital-based sleep studies.

This test typically records airflow, oxygen levels, heart rate, and body movements to help assess the presence and severity of sleep-related breathing disorders. Early detection is key, and a home test can be the first step toward effective treatment.

How Can I Treat It?

Currently, there are various treatment options for different severities of sleep apnea in Hong Kong. Here are common treatment strategies:

Using a CPAP Machine

The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is currently the most effective and safest treatment method for improving sleep apnea. CPAP works by providing a continuous airflow to keep the airway open, preventing apneas. Doctors will also adjust the pressure settings based on the results of your sleep test. Patients typically wake up feeling refreshed the next day, with significant improvement in fatigue symptoms.

Side Sleeping Therapy

Adjusting your sleeping position can help alleviate mild symptoms of sleep apnea. You can also use the following specialized supportive products available in Hong Kong to help maintain the correct sleeping posture:

• NightShift ™ products can help you maintain a side-sleeping position, reducing the bother of snoring.
• The Remside back pillow allows you to comfortably maintain a side-sleeping posture.

Surgery (Invasive)

For patients who cannot adapt to CPAP machines or for whom CPAP is ineffective, doctors may consider surgery to remove excess tissue or correct nasal and oral structures. However, it’s important to note that symptoms can recur after surgery. Additionally, in some cases, it may be recommended to undergo surgery first to reduce the severity of the condition, followed by CPAP use for better adaptation.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are suitable for patients with mild sleep apnea. They work by holding the lower jaw in a fixed position to prevent the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway. This is suitable for patients with healthy teeth who prefer not to use a CPAP machine.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

More About Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Self Assessment

How to Improve Sleep Apnea in Daily Life

In addition to professional treatment, good lifestyle habits can also alleviate sleep apnea symptoms in Hong Kong:

• Control weight and avoid obesity
• Reduce alcohol intake, especially before sleep
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Exercise regularly

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea in Hong Kong

What causes sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of the disease and is often caused by obesity, narrowed airways, or structural issues such as a small lower jaw or an enlarged tongue. Central sleep apnea stems from the brain’s failure to properly control breathing signals, frequently seen in individuals with stroke or heart disease. Mixed sleep apnea involves characteristics of both types.

Is sleep apnea hereditary?

Currently, there is no conclusive research showing that sleep apnea is directly inherited. However, certain risk factors, such as a genetic predisposition to obesity or jaw structure, can be passed down and may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Families with a history of sleep apnea should remain vigilant and consider regular checkups.

Will children who snore grow out of it naturally?

Snoring in children may be temporary, but it does not always resolve with age. If a child snores persistently or exhibits pauses in breathing during sleep, early sleep testing is recommended to prevent potential impacts on development and health.

How common is sleep apnea in Hong Kong?

According to the Chest Journal, over 280,000 people in Hong Kong, which is equivalent to approximately 5% of the population, are affected by sleep apnea.

Can sleep apnea be fatal?

While sleep apnea does not cause death directly, it might lead to fatal health complications and significantly increase the risk of other serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes. 

Can sleep apnea be cured completely?

It isn’t easy to cure sleep apnea completely. However, doctors can suggest and provide treatments that can effectively manage and improve the symptoms.