But these accounts, often amusing, belie a serious medical issue: the condition is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure and even sudden death.

Anyone with such symptoms should go for a medical check-up.

An airway examination can locate the problem, as in the case of Jason.

Many times, however, the obstruction is not so distinct and a sleep assessment is needed to identify the problem and the appropriate treatment.

Sleep apnoea is more commonly seen in obese or overweight males but even a thin petite female can have sleep apnoea.

Still, there are certain indicators and preventive measures. If a person's weight is excessive, or if the collar size exceeds 43cm or 17inches in males, it is wise to start losing weight.

Some people are found to have sleep apnoea only when lying on their back. For them, it is advisable to sleep on their side or even face down.

While the solution for Jason was clear-cut, many patients with sleep apnoea require specific treatment.

The use of a mask powered by a small machine delivering continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) is one common treatment.

Ali, for one, found that his CPAP device corrected his problem during sleep. It is only when he visits his rural home village that he snores loudly because there is no electricity there.

When surgery is the better option, as in Jason's case, the nasal obstruction is decisively dealt with. It opens up the airway at the level of the throat and tonsils and even widens the airspace at the base of the tongue.

Oral appliances, such as a custom-made mouthpiece that shifts the lower jaw forward so as to open up the airway, is another possibility.

Above all, take obstructive sleep apnoea seriously. If you have some of the symptoms and signs mentioned, go and get tested for it.

stslee@rafflesmedical.com

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times .