Sleep apnea is increasingly recognised as a significant health issue in South Africa, yet many people still know very little about it. This sleep disorder causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep, often without the person being aware of it. The result is fragmented sleep, reduced oxygen levels, and long-term strain on the body.
Sleep apnea is more common than many people realise
Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is one of the most common sleep disorders worldwide. Research suggests that more than 20 % of the adult population in South Africa may experience obstructive sleep apnea, although many cases remain undiagnosed.
Other estimates indicate that between 2 % and 7 % of adults experience the condition in a clinically significant form.
Many people assume that loud snoring or restless sleep is simply normal. In reality, sleep apnea can cause breathing interruptions that last 10 seconds or longer and may occur dozens of times each hour during sleep.
Because symptoms often develop gradually, people may live with the condition for years without seeking medical help.
Why sleep apnea is often undiagnosed in South Africa
Experts estimate that a large percentage of people with obstructive sleep apnea are never formally diagnosed.
There are several reasons for this. Sleep apnea cannot be detected through a routine blood test or a quick physical examination. Diagnosis usually requires a specialised sleep study that measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity during sleep.
Access to sleep clinics and specialised diagnostic services can vary between urban and rural areas. In some regions, patients may not have easy access to testing facilities or sleep specialists.
Also, many people simply do not recognise the warning signs.
Common symptoms South Africans should watch for
Many patients only realise there is a problem after a partner notices repeated pauses in breathing.
Typical warning signs include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Dry or sore throat after waking
- Severe daytime tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
Breathing interruptions can occur as many as 30 times per hour in severe cases, which severely disrupts the body’s ability to reach deep restorative sleep.
Who is most at risk?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Excess body weight is one of the most significant contributors because fatty tissue around the neck can narrow the airway during sleep.
The condition is particularly common in men over the age of 30 and people who are overweight or obese.
Other risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes Type 2
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Nasal obstruction or enlarged tonsils
- A naturally narrow airway
Why early treatment matters
Repeated drops in oxygen levels place strain on the cardiovascular system and may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms.
The condition can also affect everyday safety. Daytime sleepiness increases the risk of workplace accidents and road crashes, particularly among drivers who spend long hours on the road.
Sleep apnea can be effectively treated once diagnosed. Options may include lifestyle adjustments, oral appliances, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), which helps keep the airway open during sleep.
A growing conversation in South Africa
Sleep apnea is slowly gaining attention among healthcare professionals and patients across South Africa. Increased awareness, better screening, and improved access to sleep studies are helping more people receive the diagnosis and treatment they need.
