Tuesday, 23 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
A combination of various factors including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of a proper sleep regime have led to the prevalence of sleep apnea among individuals, doctors here said. They have observed a steady rise in the number of people suffering from this condition over the years. Sleep apnea is characterised by individuals snoring loudly during sleep and experiencing excessive daytime drowsiness. Regarding this, doctors emphasised that adhering to a consistent sleep regime and seeking timely treatment can help individuals avoid experiencing the worsening effects of sleep apnea.
Medical superintendent at Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital Dr Anurag Aggarwal said that sleep apnea or sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common among people. He said that sleep apnea is a distinct condition that can lead to various negative effects on the body. Individuals with sleep apnea exhibit different behaviours during sleep, of which they are unaware but which their sleeping partners may notice. Aggarwal said that those with sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime sleepiness instead of restful sleep at night. As a result, sleep disturbances can trigger various issues like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and other health problems. He further said that sleep disorders, particularly apnea, are more prevalent among males than females nowadays. Factors such as obesity and irregular sleep patterns are identified as main causes of sleep apnea. To prevent this condition, Aggarwal emphasised the importance of establishing a healthy sleep routine, which includes sleeping in one’s own bed, refraining from using mobile phones at night and refrain from consuming alcohol, tea and coffee before bedtime.
Senior physician at CMI hospital Dr Anshika Jain said that sleep apnea is rising among individuals. She said that she comes across sleep apnea patients on a weekly basis, noting that individuals who are obese or overweight tend to be more susceptible to the condition. Sleep apnea manifests through loud snoring and occasional breathing difficulties. Factors including a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and poor sleep hygiene contribute to the development of sleep apnea. To mitigate this, it is crucial for individuals to lose weight and seek timely medical consultation for treatment, she added.
