Healthy Soch
New Delhi, March 15, 2018:
One of every five patients in India suffers from sleeping disorder, as per a study and about 20.3% patients visiting doctors for such issues ask for sleeping pills.
Many patients suffer from sleep disturbances, the reasons for which include hectic schedule, night shifts, and high stress levels. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) seems to be one of the most common sleep disorders.
OSA is a disorder in which there is brief and repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep because the muscles at the back of the throat press down on the upper airway. Some of the causes include being overweight, small upper airway, large tongue, and tonsils.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Immediate Past National President Indian Medical Association (IMA), said, “OSA is the most common types of sleep disorders a noticeable sign of which is snoring. The low blood oxygen levels and disturbed sleep occurring due to OSA can lead to heart disease. About half of those with OSA have high blood pressure. It is more common in men and chances of its occurrence increase with ageing. It could also be genetic, and people of certain ethnicities are more prone to it than others. This condition is also more common in people with a large neck circumference — greater than 17 inches for men, and 15 inches for women.”
Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, waking up abruptly, waking up with dry or sore throat, morning headache, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, high blood pressure, nighttime sweating, and decreased libido.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor of IJCP, said, “It is important to watch out for certain symptoms and consult a specialist if you consistently feel tired and groggy through the day. A sleep study (called nocturnal polysomnography) is carried out at an overnight sleep laboratory. By recording brain waves, eye and leg movements, oxygen levels, airflow, and heart rhythm during sleep, it can help in diagnosing this condition. While extreme cases may require surgery, certain lifestyle changes can help avoid this condition or prevent it from getting worse.”
Some tips from HCFI.
- Try losing excess weight as even a 10% loss can make a difference.
- Do not consume alcohol or sleeping pills. These can cause the airways to collapse during sleep and lengthen the time you are unable to breathe well.
- Try sleeping on your side instead of the back.
- Avoid nasal sprays as any sinus problems or congestion can make it harder for you to breathe.
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