「沒有打鼾，所以不是睡眠呼吸中止症（SAS）」這樣的想法，可能導致嚴重的疾病被忽略。一般社團法人打鼾呼吸中止改善協會針對全國200名男女進行了關於「無鼾睡眠呼吸中止症」的意識調查。結果顯示，高達約44.5%的人不知道「即使沒有打鼾，也可能罹患SAS」。本調查旨在揭示難以自覺的「隱藏型SAS」的存在，並探尋透過周遭的關注和日常的微小跡象來實現早期發現的線索。
調查背景
睡眠呼吸中止症（SAS）若放任不管，不僅會增加高血壓、心臟病等風險，還可能因白天極度嗜睡而引發事故。一般人熟知「劇烈打鼾」是其典型徵兆，但實際上，根據體格、骨骼結構或喉部狀況，也存在打鼾不顯著的情況。本次調查的目的在於釐清「無打鼾＝安心」的誤解普及程度，以及如何透過打鼾以外的跡象來察覺SAS的可能性。
調查摘要
・約4.5成（44.5%）的人回答「不知道」無鼾SAS的存在
・SAS的徵兆認知度最高的是「睡眠中呼吸停止」，佔26.1%；其次是「打鼾」，佔19.9%。
・在無打鼾情況下的發現方法，約4人中就有1人（27.5%）選擇「家人/同居者的提醒」。
・為避免忽略SAS的可能性，認為最重要的是「不輕忽家人/同居者的提醒」，佔25.0%。
・當得知「無鼾SAS」的可能性時，82.0%的人回答「願意接受檢查（包含傾向願意）」。
詳細數據
Q1. 您認為「睡眠呼吸中止症（SAS）」的徵兆有哪些？
・睡眠中呼吸停止：26.1％
・睡眠中打鼾：19.9％
・白天極度嗜睡：12.7％
・起床時口乾或喉嚨乾：9.8％
・夜間頻繁醒來：8.5％
・其他：23.0%
→ 對於SAS的象徵性症狀「呼吸停止」、「打鼾」的認知度很高。
常見問題
What is Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS)?
Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur many times an hour.
Is snoring the only sign of SAS?
No, snoring is a common sign, but not the only one. SAS can also occur without noticeable snoring, especially in individuals with certain physical characteristics. Other signs include stopping breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry mouth upon waking, and frequent awakenings during the night.
What is "hidden SAS"?
"Hidden SAS" refers to cases of Sleep Apnea Syndrome where snoring is not a prominent symptom, making it difficult for the individual or those around them to recognize the condition. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Why is early detection of SAS important?
Untreated SAS can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It can also cause excessive daytime sleepiness, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly while driving or operating machinery.
How can SAS be detected if there is no snoring?
If there is no snoring, SAS might be detected through other symptoms like pauses in breathing during sleep, severe daytime sleepiness, or if family members or cohabitants notice these issues and suggest seeking medical advice.
