World Health Day: Do you snore & are experiencing loss of productivity? It's time to meet a specialist and take a sleep test

American inventor E Joseph Cossman once said, ‘The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep'. And, it is 100 per cent true.

A good night’s sleep can aid in bringing out the best in oneself and maximise one’s potential. At the same time, a bad sleep cycle can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and various other life-threatening chronic health problems, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. It also affects the neurocognitive functioning of the brain, impacts productivity and concentration, and may even lead to memory loss.

An adult needs at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to reap the benefits of a healthy sleep cycle. The importance of a healthy sleep cycle is widely known. However, India still lacks awareness about more significant sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Restless Leg Syndrome (RES) and Narcolepsy. Amongst these, OSA has the most detrimental consequences.

OSA is a sleep-related breathing disorder caused by the collapse of the upper airway while the patient is asleep. The throat muscles intermittently relax, thereby blocking the passage of oxygen in our body for a few seconds (hypoxia).

Such events lead patients to wake up at night gasping for air, thus interrupting the sleep cycle. Multiple instances cause patients to wake up in the morning with headaches, feeling restless and tired. Patients may face harsh health consequences in severe sleep apnea cases, such as traffic accidents, brain damage, and even death.

According to the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, India has over 50 million OSA patients, 80% of whom are undiagnosed. Moreover, in a recent survey by ResMed that had over 5000 Indian respondents, over 55 per cent of them were found to have a troubled sleep at least thrice a week. These numbers showcase the awareness gap around sleep disorders and highlight the urgency of sleep education in India.

Mild to moderate cases of OSA, or any other sleep disorder, can be cured by positive lifestyle modifications in our daily routines. Proper diet, exercise, cessation of smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can help. Additionally, 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep with fixed schedules is needed. Suppose one is still experiencing symptoms such as snoring and loss of productivity, they are advised to consult a sleep specialist and take a sleep test.

Digitisation of healthcare and remote monitoring technologies accelerated by the pandemic has played a positive role in promoting sleep awareness in India. In a country with only about 500 sleep labs between 1.3 billion people, home sleep tests have encouraged people to test their sleep patterns. These tests are accurate, affordable, and easy to use.

For treatment, CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a gold standard treatment for OSA. It can be administered at home or in a setting of the patient’s choice. CPAP therapy aids in restoring normal sleeping patterns and helps in increasing the total sleeping time by eliminating breathing pauses during sleep.

In conclusion, uninterrupted sleep for over 7-8 hours each night is crucial for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above, consult a sleep specialist or take a sleep test immediately.

(The author is Head of Medical Affairs, South Asia, ResMed)