TOKYO — Former professional wrestler Kensuke Sasaki, 59, publicly revealed in January that he was diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) after years of being told by his wife that he snored loudly. Sasaki’s experience underscores a growing awareness in Japan of the potential health risks associated with untreated snoring and sleep disorders.
“I never imagined that my breathing could stop for nearly two minutes while asleep — like I was drowning,” Sasaki said at a public awareness event in Tokyo. “I was shocked and knew right away that I couldn’t ignore it.” Sasaki recounted how his wife, Akira Hokuto, too a former professional wrestler and TV personality, had repeatedly pointed out his snoring, even noticing it during family trips. A subsequent sleep study confirmed the severity of his condition, revealing breathing pauses lasting up to nearly two minutes.
Hokuto reflected on the experience, stating, “It hit me that snoring could actually be a sign of something serious. I came to see that speaking up about a partner’s snoring is, in its own way, an act of love.”
Sasaki’s case is not isolated. A November 2025 survey conducted by Teijin Pharma, a Tokyo-based company specializing in SAS treatment devices, polled 2,350 men and women in Japan who had been informed by family members that they snore. The survey revealed that approximately 80% of respondents expressed a desire to address their snoring or potential apnea, yet around 70% had not taken any concrete steps to do so. The survey also indicated a reluctance among individuals to discuss a spouse’s snoring.
Snoring occurs when the upper airway narrows during sleep. If the airway becomes fully blocked, it results in SAS, characterized by repeated pauses in breathing. These pauses can lead to chronically low oxygen levels, disrupting sleep and causing daytime fatigue. According to a 2023 survey by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, an estimated 475,000 people in Japan have been diagnosed with SAS, though experts believe the actual number is significantly higher due to underdiagnosis.
Dr. Naohisa Uchimura, president of Kurume University and chair of the Japanese Society of Sleep Research, emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention for sleep problems. “When sleep problems arise, it’s significant to see a medical professional promptly. But in Japan, it often takes a long time before someone actually gets examined,” he said.
In April 2025, the Japanese Society of Sleep Research formally requested that sleep disorders be officially recognized as a sub-designation within existing medical specialties, such as internal medicine and psychiatry. The aim is to improve patient access to care by clearly identifying clinics and hospitals that specialize in sleep disorders through signage like “Internal Medicine (Sleep Disorders).” The society is also developing guidelines to enhance coordination between hospitals.
Uchimura warned of the potential health consequences of untreated SAS. “If SAS goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as high blood pressure or stroke,” he stated. “Early detection and treatment can make a real difference to overall health.” Treatment options include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep, and custom-fitted mouthpieces that reposition the lower jaw to prevent airway narrowing.
“When diagnosis and treatment go smoothly, patients often see a meaningful improvement in their daily quality of life,” Uchimura added, encouraging individuals with heavy snoring to consult a doctor.