While most people view sleep as a time for recharging the body, few are aware that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may silently undermine their health. OSA not only increases the risk of mortality but is also closely linked to dementia, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other serious conditions. According to home sleep test data from Clinico (科林睡得美), over 60% of individuals tested suffer from moderate to severe OSA. Prevention and treatment of this condition have become a critical public health issue in Taiwan. In response to the theme of World Sleep Day 2025, "Make Sleep Health a Priority," the Taiwan Society of Sleep Medicine and Clinico (科林睡得美) have jointly initiated Taiwan’s first OSA database survey. By compiling clinical data, they aim to raise public awareness and confront the growing sleep health crisis.
OSA Triggers Oxygen Deprivation and Increases Risk of Serious Illness
OSA occurs when the upper airway becomes obstructed during sleep, causing breathing pauses or reduced airflow. This leads to lowered blood oxygen levels and impaired sleep quality. Common symptoms include loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, frequent nighttime urination, dry mouth, and reduced sexual function. If left untreated over time, OSA can lead to hypertension, arrhythmias, diabetes, and depression. It also significantly increases the risk of dementia and stroke.
According to the latest research in 2024, individuals with OSA face a 2.5-fold increase in mortality risk, making it a hidden health threat. Dr. Hsin-Chien Lee, Director of the Sleep Research Center at Taipei Medical University, emphasized that normal blood oxygen saturation should stay above 95%. If it falls below 92%, emergency medical attention is needed. However, many OSA patients remain unaware of their dangerously low oxygen levels. Even patients with mild OSA face a 94.3% risk of hypoxia, underscoring the seriousness of this condition.
Taiwan’s First OSA Database Survey Launches to Collect Vital Clinical Data
Clinico (科林睡得美) has long focused on sleep health and points out that most people with OSA are unaware of the connection between their symptoms and the risk of oxygen deprivation, resulting in low diagnosis rates and delayed treatment. To address this, Clinico (科林睡得美) and the Taiwan Society of Sleep Medicine have jointly launched Taiwan’s first Obstructive Sleep Apnea database survey. Clinico (科林睡得美) has donated NT$1 million to support the IRB project, ensuring the clinical research meets scientific, regulatory, and ethical standards.
Hung, Hsiao-Ching, Senior Sleep Technician at Clinico (科林睡得美), noted that in clinical practice, some severe OSA patients have blood oxygen levels dropping below 50%. Prolonged hypoxia can result in brain damage, dementia, stroke, and even financial burdens for families. By establishing this database, comprehensive sleep health data for the Taiwanese population will be gathered to enhance clinical experience in treating OSA. It will also raise public awareness of individual health risks, encouraging early prevention and treatment.
Ha Hsiao-yuan Shares His Experience—OSA Seriously Impacts Health
Well-known entertainer Ha Hsiao-yuan appeared at the press conference to share his personal struggle with OSA. He revealed that his wife had pointed out his abnormal breathing during sleep, but he didn’t take it seriously until last year, when he frequently woke up gasping for air. He also experienced daytime fatigue and shortness of breath while walking. Upon undergoing a sleep study, his Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) was found to be as high as 80, with blood oxygen levels dropping to 60%, classifying him as a severe OSA patient. Following his doctor’s advice, he started using a CPAP machine, which significantly improved his sleep quality that very night. The next day, he noticed a marked boost in his energy levels. He urged, "If you have symptoms like snoring or daytime fatigue, get tested as soon as possible—don’t wait until it’s too late!"
High-Risk Groups Should Seek Early Screening—Clinico Expands Home Sleep Test Services
Dr. Hsin-Chien Lee emphasized that OSA doesn’t only affect older adults and those who are overweight; many young and middle-aged people are also at risk. Individuals experiencing snoring, daytime sleepiness, or nighttime breathing pauses should undergo sleep testing without delay. To increase diagnosis rates, Clinico (科林睡得美) now offers free home sleep tests at 130 locations across Taiwan and, starting in March, has introduced a home delivery service for sleep testing. This allows people to get tested conveniently, without the constraints of geography or time, ensuring their sleep health is protected.
The establishment of Taiwan’s first OSA database will provide critical data for clinical research and treatment. Clinico (科林睡得美) hopes that by promoting public health awareness, the potential health risks posed by Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be significantly reduced.
Resource: 睡眠呼吸中止症危害健康 台灣首座OSA資料庫調查啟動
