The silent epidemic of sleep apnea

Dr Ramana Prasad VV, senior pulmonologist speaks on the snoring related disorder and the hours of sleep essential as per age

City-based senior pulmonologist Dr Ramana Prasad VV with over 12 years of experience in treating patients of lung diseases, is well-known for diagnosing and treating patients suffering with allergies, asthma and snoring.

One of the few specialists to be trained in Malaysia, Singapore and Bangkok, the doctor speaks on how to take care of patients suffering with sleep disorders, particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea (snoring related disorders).

“Sleep Apnea disrupts the sleep cycle and can dramatically impact energy, mental performance and long term health. In some cases, if left untreated, it can be fatal,” says the doctor in an interview.

The symptoms are very common such as snoring, frequent visits to the bathroom, regular morning headaches and poor concentration to name a few and hence they are overlooked easily.

“Sleep disorder is a silent epidemic. The few people who are suffering from it know about the condition and fewer still seek treatment for it,” he explains. “Studies show that 70 per cent of the people who die suddenly at night could be suffering from sleep disorders.

The major problem in India is that no one understands that an improper sleep pattern is a medical problem. They blame it on tension or social causes. The problem could be simply that the breathing pattern is affected and due to that there is lack of sleep,” adds Dr Ramana Prasad.

Sleep apnea comes in multiple variants, the most common of which is known as obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is a less common form of sleep apnea that occurs when your brain fails to transmit signals to your breathing muscles. “This means you make no effort to breathe for a short period of time. It can affect anyone at any age, even children,” he says.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), characterised by respiratory difficulties during sleep is witnessing a rise in the number of patients by the year. India accounts for approximately 12 million cases of which a mere 1.2 million access treatment from the top 10 cities.

Highlighting the effects of its complications, the doctor says, “If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a growing number of health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke or paralysis, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, depression and headaches.”

“Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. Complications may include day time fatigue, complications with medication surgery, liver problem and loss excess weight,” he adds.

Hours of sleep for good health
• Newborns (0 to 3 months):
14 to 17 hours
• Infants (4 to 11 months):
12 to 15 hours
• Toddlers (1 to 2 years):
11 to 14 hours
• Preschoolers (3 to 5 years):
10 to 13 hours
• School-aged children (6 to 13 years): 9 to 11 hours
• Teenagers (14 to 17 years):
8 to 10 hours
• Young adults (18 to 25 years):
7 to 9 hours
• Adults (26 to 64 years):
7 to 9 hours
• Older adults (65 years or older):
7 to 8 hours