Having trouble snoozing soundly? It could be sleep apnea
Every month, around 40 new Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients are diagnosed at PGIMER’s Sleep Lab, run by the otolaryngology (ENT) department
If you’ve been facing trouble sleeping or staying asleep, it would be worth looking into Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder in which breathing pauses during sleep.
Every month, around 40 new OSA patients are diagnosed at PGIMER’s Sleep Lab, run by the otolaryngology (ENT) department.
“It’s a condition that often goes unnoticed and untreated, making it one of the most concerning yet overlooked health issues in society,” said Dr Sandeep Bansal, a professor at the department who heads the sleep services.
A person with the disorder snores, often with pauses, snorts or wakes up gasping for breath. Left untreated, it can lead to potentially serious health complications, such as heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes and depression, and affects both adults and children, as per Dr Naresh Panda, professor and head of the ENT department.
Adults suffering from sleep apnea have difficulty paying attention, and feel quick-tempered and moody. Children with the disorder have learning and behavioural problems, apart from poor weight gain and hyperactivity.
Look beyond the sleeping pill
Many people tend to address poor sleep by simply taking a pill, unaware that OSA is far more complex and can’t be resolved with a mere sleeping pill, Dr Bansal.
According to the professor, when someone struggles with sleep, it typically falls into one of two categories: they are either having trouble falling asleep initially or they doze off but repeatedly wake up due to breathing difficulties. Both fall in distinct groups.
“The first scenario points to insomnia, a condition for which one should consult a psychiatrist. The second scenario, on the other hand, is indicative of OSA, treated by otolaryngologists,” said Dr Bansal.
How it happens
“OSA usually happens because of repetitive narrowing of the airway during sleep. The person will unknowingly stop breathing repeatedly throughout sleep. Once the airway is opened or the breathing signal is received, the person may snore, take a deep breath or awaken completely with a sensation of gasping, smothering or choking,” said Dr Bansal.
Recent studies have estimated the prevalence of OSA to be around 22% in men and 17% in women, obesity being a major factor, according to him. Around one in five adults have mild symptoms, while one in 15 have moderate-to-severe symptoms.
Lifestyle modifications can help
According to Dr Bansal, in managing OSA, lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and weight management, play a significant role, particularly in overweight and obese individuals who snore habitually. These adjustments can be highly effective in reducing snoring.
Additionally, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) devices are often the initial treatment choice, as they deliver pressurised air to help open the airway, acting like a pneumatic splint. However, some individuals may find CPAP masks uncomfortable or noisy.
“Surgical options become relevant for patients who cannot tolerate or are non-compliant with CPAP, and after thorough evaluation, the appropriate surgical procedure is selected based on the patient’s specific needs,” added Dr Bansal.
