Ever wondered why you feel so hungry when you don’t get enough sleep? Lack of sleep causes dysregulation of ghrelin and leptin – hormones that control your appetite and fullness. The multitude of negative effects caused by sleep disorders includes an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, cognitive and immune dysfunction, as well as anxiety and depression. Want to say goodbye to sleepless nights? DR ELAINE NG of Smilefocus tells us how she helps patients tackle sleep breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea to achieve their best quality shut-eye.
Understanding the culprit of sleep disorders
“One of the causes of insufficient or poor quality sleep is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA),” explains Dr Elaine Ng, who is a practitioner of dental sleep medicine – the study of anatomical features, clinical signs, sleep medicine and sleep physiology.
OSA is characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to a partial or complete blockage of the airway – and it’s been rising in prevalence globally. “Modern lifestyles are often hectic and fast-paced, and sleep is given last priority. Students and working adults are sleep deprived more than ever, and the rate of obesity is increasing,” says Dr Ng.
However, it’s also becoming more difficult to identify an obstructive sleep apnoea patient. The condition was previously thought to be more common in overweight, middle-aged males. But a new group of patients is emerging – ones who are slimmer, younger and female, says Dr Ng. “Did you know that 13 percent of patients who have the condition may not snore at all? And up to 50 percent don’t experience daytime tiredness. The fact that this condition can occur so insidiously makes it all the more a priority for healthcare workers to be aware of in order to identify patients at risk.”
How dentists at Smilefocus can help sleep disorders
Dr Ng explains that dentists have sound knowledge of head and neck anatomy, and the growth of the face and jaws, and they operate in the space that directly affects the upper airways. Dentists can first pick up the signs and symptoms of many medical conditions, including OSA, during the routine examinations involved in a regular check-up.
At Smilefocus, Dr Ng has established an effective and comprehensive sleep screening programme to help patients of all ages suffering from conditions affecting their breathing and sleep-wake cycles. She says that recognising the subtle signs of obstructive sleep apnoea is the first step, and learning to identify these red flags and seeking help will lead to earlier detection and intervention. Here, she lists some of those key signs:
- Sleepless nights, plus fatigue and lack of focus during the day
- Snoring, gasping and snorting in the night
- Conditions such as asthma, acid reflux and unexplained high blood pressure
- Bruxism or tooth grinding
Undiagnosed OSA isn’t just a serious health risk – it can affect your daily function, and mental and emotional state, which can negatively impact your professional and personal life. Through advanced diagnostics and personalised treatment, Dr Ng works with a network of sleep trained professionals to ensure patients receive complete multidisciplinary care. She adds that Smilefocus is leveraging technology to ensure patients and families achieve optimal sleep quality and lifelong health.
About Dr Elaine Ng
Dr Ng has practiced at Smilefocus for 18 years and has been a dental sleep medicine practitioner since 2008. She’s a member of the Australasian Sleep Association and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Smilefocus is at #08-02/03 and #08-07/08 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard.
6834 0877 | smilefocus.com.sg
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This article first appeared in the March 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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