Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Hidden Danger in Your Sleep

World Sleep Day is an annual global event that highlights the importance of healthy sleep while raising awareness about sleep disorders and their impact on society. This year’s event falls on 14 March 2025, observed on the Friday before the Spring Vernal Equinox [1]. 

Fun Fact: During the Spring Vernal Equinox (SVE), day and night stand in perfect balance—just like how maintaining a balanced sleep schedule is essential for overall health!

As the famous playwright Thomas Dekker once said, “Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” But did you know that a “sleep snatcher” might be lurking in your sleep ?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

The Hidden Sleep Snatcher Affecting Your Health

OSA is a common sleep disorder in which repeated breathing interruptions occur due to airway blockages, often accompanied by loud snoring. These pauses in breathing reduce oxygen levels, placing significant strain on the heart and brain. An estimated 80% of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) cases remain undiagnosed and untreated [2].

With this year’s World Sleep Day theme, “Make Sleep Health a Priority,” it serves as a reminder to recognise the importance of quality sleep and taking proactive steps in identifying and managing sleep disorders for overall well-being.

Signs and Symptoms of OSA

OSA often goes undiagnosed because many people are unaware of their nighttime symptoms. Common signs include:

If left untreated, OSA can lead to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive issues.

Obesity as the Major Contributor to OSA

A global estimate suggests that nearly 1 billion people are affected by OSA, with obesity as the leading cause. This connection is particularly relevant in Malaysia, where obesity rates are rising rapidly. Excess fat around the neck narrows the airway, increasing the risk of breathing obstruction during sleep. In Malaysia, nearly one-third (32.9%) of adults attending primary care clinics in Kuantan were found to be at high risk for OSA, with obesity being a significant contributing factor. Obese individuals in Malaysia are more likely to develop OSA, as higher Body Mass Index (BMI) classifications (e.g., obese types 1, 2, and 3) are strongly associated with increased OSA risk [4- 8] .

Malaysia’s adult obesity rate was 19.7% in 2019 and is projected to rise to 41% by 2035 [9]. This alarming trend aligns with the expected increase in OSA prevalence, as obesity is the leading risk factor for the condition. Other risk factors include older age, male gender, family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes—all of which are also prevalent among Malaysians [7, 10] . These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address both conditions.

Nutrition Strategies for Better Sleep: Managing OSA Through Diet

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), particularly through weight management and dietary choices.

Your loud snoring and daytime fatigue could signal a deeper medical issue. Every little sign from your body is a cry for help to prevent severe health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Prioritising sleep health starts now—seek medical advice early and take charge of your well-being! This World Sleep Day, take charge of your sleep health and act now for a healthier future!😴💤

– Tze Xuan, Dietetics Intern