Sleep Apnoea
A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, often linked to obesity.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Sleep apnoea causes you to stop breathing briefly during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Excess weight, especially around the neck, is the most common cause.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep. Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) ≥ 5 events/hour is diagnostic. Obesity is present in 60-90% of OSA patients.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Weight loss of 10% can reduce AHI by 26%. OSA left untreated increases cardiovascular risk, impairs cognitive function, and reduces quality of life.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
