Snoring: Harmless Habit or Hidden Health Warning?

This article was published in Shin Min Daily News on 16 June 2026. Aglow ENT Centre was featured as part of the Beyond Medical Group network.

With Father’s Day approaching, many of us are thinking about gifts for Dad. But there is one common health concern that fathers and family members often overlook: snoring.

Many people assume snoring is simply a noisy but harmless habit. In reality, persistent and loud snoring may be an early sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr Ker Liang, an ENT specialist consultant at Aglow ENT Centre, part of Beyond Medical Group, explains the health risks that can hide behind snoring.

Not just a sleep nuisance

Dr Ker Liang notes that snoring on its own does not necessarily mean a person has sleep apnea. However, when snoring is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate disrupted breathing during sleep or even sleep apnea.

Key warning signs to watch for include:

Briefly stopping breathing during sleep, followed by gasping or choking sounds. Waking up feeling unrefreshed despite getting enough hours of sleep. Feeling excessively sleepy, irritable, or having difficulty concentrating during the day. Morning headaches, dry mouth, or a persistent sore throat.

In many cases, these signs are noticed first by a bed partner or family member, rather than by the person themselves.

Dr Ker Liang emphasises that when snoring is loud, persistent, and accompanied by irregular breathing patterns as described above, it is worth taking seriously and seeking a professional assessment.

More than disrupted sleep

Left untreated, sleep apnea can have wide-reaching effects on health and quality of life.

Repeated breathing interruptions during sleep cause oxygen levels to fluctuate throughout the night. Over time, this places strain on the body and has been linked to reduced concentration, mood disturbances, and daytime fatigue. Untreated sleep apnea is also associated with increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The cumulative impact over time can affect overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Who is at higher risk?

Certain anatomical and lifestyle factors can raise the likelihood of sleep apnea.

For some individuals, particularly those of Asian descent, a naturally smaller airway can contribute to narrowing during sleep. Weight gain, especially around the neck area, can further restrict airflow. Nasal congestion, sinus problems, and enlarged tonsils are additional factors that may worsen airway obstruction. Because these factors vary between individuals, a professional evaluation is important before drawing conclusions.

What treatment options are available?

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition and any underlying causes.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains one of the most common and effective treatments. It uses a machine to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep.

Lifestyle adjustments can also play a meaningful role. These include maintaining a healthy weight, reducing neck fat, lowering the risk of airway collapse by avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and exercising regularly.

Oral appliance devices, which help maintain airflow by repositioning the jaw during sleep, are another option for some patients.

In certain cases, surgery may be considered to address structural airway obstruction. One example is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), a procedure that reshapes soft tissue in the throat to improve airflow.

Dr Ker Liang stresses that no single solution fits everyone. If you have any concerns, it is best to consult a doctor for a proper evaluation and to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your individual situation.

Q: How accurate are home sleep trackers and apps at identifying sleep apnea risk?

Dr Ker Liang: Home sleep trackers and mobile apps can provide useful baseline information about sleep patterns, such as sleep duration and movement, and some devices can detect snoring or changes in breathing patterns.

However, these tools are not diagnostic. While they can raise awareness about potential sleep issues, they should be treated as a preliminary reference rather than a definitive assessment. If you have persistent symptoms or concerns, a proper clinical evaluation is still recommended for a more accurate picture of your condition.

This article was adapted from a feature originally published in Shin Min Daily News on 16 June 2026.