Sleep Disorders: 15 to 20 percent Indians suffer from Sleep Apnea in bedroom, silently

New Delhi/Bengaluru: Sleep disorders represent a significant number in India , yet, it is an overlooked health problem.15 to 20 percent of Indians have sleep disorders said Dr Naresh Purohit, Executive Member of the Indian Academy of Neurosciences.

Addressing a workshop organized by the Bengaluru based Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences , noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit revealed that more than 50 million people in India are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

He said that in the past three years Karnataka has registered a significant rise in the number of sleep apnea cases.

“In sleep apnea breathing is not continuous, as a result of which the flow of oxygen to the brain is reduced,” he explained.

Highlighting the symptoms of sleep apnea, he said “some of the most common signs are loud and chronic snoring, frequent urination at night, morning headaches, inability to concentrate, feeling irritable, depressed or having mood swings.

“OSA can lead to various health complications if left untreated. With timely treatment, one can regain quality sleep and improve overall health.” he added

He emphasised that the menace of obstructive sleep apnea needs to be tackled from all fronts and insurance is a key component for providing accessible care.

Acclaimed disaster mental health expert advocated for insurance cover, spreading public awareness and establishing more sleep lab facilities in the country.

“Globally, OSA is on the rise and according to several scientific studies, there is a steady increase in the number of people in

India who suffer from this sleep disorder. “experts averred.

Experts revealed that there are over 900 million people around the world with sleep apnea and 300 million with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Experts averred that these two diseases are relatively unknown across Asia and also in India.
“A big challenge for medics is to spend time educating physicians and the masses who have these diseases but don’t know how they can adequately treat them.” they added.

*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)