2021-04-04 17:10Evergreen Monthly Evergreen Monthly
Thick neck, snoring, and obesity can all be signs of sleep apnea
Snoring during sleep is very common, and many people think they can just get used to it. In fact, it could very likely be caused by sleep apnea. It is more common in men than women and is prevalent in individuals over 40, with a BMI > 27, nasal polyps, deviated septum, receding chin, or enlarged tonsils. Dr. Yang Tsung-tsai reminds that obese individuals are more prone to snoring due to narrowed airways. People can measure their neck circumference; men with > 43 cm and women with > 38 cm are considered high-risk groups.
Sleep examinations don't have to be in large hospitals; mental health and ENT clinics can also provide them.
Patients with sleep apnea experience recurrent collapse of the upper airway during sleep, blocking the airway and causing shallow, labored breathing, which is snoring. In severe cases, it can lead to complete airway obstruction and potentially fatal asphyxiation. When people hear about snoring, they often think of having to spend the night at a sleep center in a large hospital to collect data, which many find troublesome and choose not to pursue treatment. Dr. Yang Tsung-tsai says that one can first get checked at a local clinic and does not necessarily have to go to a large hospital.
Since sleep apnea often causes sleep disorders, lack of sleep can easily lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, decreased concentration, low mood, irritability, and impaired judgment. Therefore, many people seek treatment at mental health clinics before realizing the underlying cause. Dr. Yang explains that in addition to psychiatric symptoms, male patients have three times the risk of stroke compared to the general population. It can also cause high blood pressure, heart failure, gastroesophageal reflux, and sexual dysfunction, so proper medical treatment is essential.
For snoring, first take the Berlin Questionnaire; mild cases can be resolved with a side sleeping pillow.
Mild patients can use a side-sleeping pillow and maintain a side-lying position to prevent the airway from collapsing backward, which can significantly improve snoring. Moderate patients typically use non-invasive treatment, wearing a CPAP machine. For severe patients, further treatment, or even surgery, must be sought at a large hospital. However, Dr. Yang Tsung-tsai reminds that surgery is an invasive treatment and there is a possibility of recurrence.
If you or your bed partner has a snoring problem, you can first take the "Berlin Questionnaire." If the total score is greater than 2, it may indicate sleep apnea, and prompt treatment is recommended. After all, sleep is the foundation of human health. Dr. Yang Tsung-tsai suggests avoiding excessive reliance on medication and energy drinks, and instead getting good sleep to prevent a multitude of illnesses.
（Evergreen Monthly / Edited by Editorial Department, Article authorized by / Health Medical Network）