Hit by daytime sleepiness? Your ‘food coma’ might be something more serious
In the bustling city-state of Singapore, many brush off midday drowsiness as nothing more than a heavy lunch hitting hard—what's commonly called a 'food coma.' But for folks like TM Sitoh, it turns out that persistent sleepiness could signal something far more serious: sleep apnoea.
Sitoh's story is one that resonates with countless others. For years, he ignored his thunderous snoring, which kept his wife awake night after night. 'You don’t miss what you never had,' he says, explaining why he never thought to get checked. It wasn't until his wife's insistence that he finally sought answers. What he discovered changed everything.
Sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, affects millions worldwide but often goes undiagnosed. In Singapore, awareness has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to public health campaigns and media coverage. Doctors report a surge in patients showing up with symptoms like excessive daytime fatigue, loud snoring, and morning headaches—issues many chalk up to stress or diet.
"Awareness of sleep apnoea has shot through the roof," notes one specialist at a local hospital. This newfound vigilance is a double-edged sword. On one hand, more people are getting the treatment they need, like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines that keep airways open. On the other, public hospitals are swamped, with waitlists stretching months long. Private clinics are stepping in, but costs can be a barrier for some.
For Sitoh, the diagnosis was a wake-up call. Post-treatment, he feels more alert and energized, no longer battling that foggy haze in the afternoons. His experience underscores a key message from health experts: if your 'food coma' lingers or your partner complains about your snoring, it might be time to talk to a doctor.
As Singapore grapples with this health trend, the hope is that earlier detection can ease the burden on healthcare systems while improving lives. If you've been feeling unusually tired, don't dismiss it—your body might be trying to tell you something important.
Read the original article here for more details.