Chandigarh:
On the occasion of World Sleep Day, sleep specialists have called upon policymakers and healthcare systems to prioritize early detection and management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as an important strategy to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India.OSA is a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by repeated obstruction of the airway during sleep, leading to intermittent oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep. Globally, nearly one billion adults aged 30–69 years are estimated to suffer from OSA, and India is expected to carry a significant share of this burden.Indian studies suggest that around 9–13% of adults may have moderate to severe OSA, translating to over 100 million individuals potentially affected in the country, with the majority remaining undiagnosed.
Untreated OSA has been strongly linked with several major non-communicable diseases including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Repeated episodes of oxygen deprivation during sleep trigger sympathetic activation, inflammation, insulin resistance, and vascular dysfunction, which accelerate cardiometabolic diseases.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Professor & In-charge Sleep Lab, Department of Otolaryngology, and President of the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea(IASSA), said:
“India cannot effectively fight the epidemic of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease without addressing the silent epidemic of sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can play a crucial role in preventing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in our population.”
“ Sleep health remains one of the most neglected pillars of preventive medicine in India. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not merely a problem of snoring but a serious medical condition strongly linked with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Early identification and timely treatment of OSA can significantly reduce the burden of these non-communicable diseases. Integrating sleep disorder screening into national NCD programs could become a powerful preventive strategy for public health.”
He further emphasized that habitual loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and witnessed breathing pauses during sleep should not be ignored and require medical evaluation.
Symptoms of OSA Daytime Symptoms Nighttime Symptoms
Excessive daytime sleepiness Loud snoring Waking in the morning with a dry mouth or sore throat Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner) Morning headaches Waking during the night gasping or choking Trouble focusing Needing to urinate often during the night Mood changes such as feeling depressed or being easily upset
Prof.Jaimanti, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, highlighted that improving awareness about sleep disorders among both healthcare professionals and the public is essential. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of sleep apnea can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
The theme for World Sleep Day — “Sleep Well, Live Better” — highlights the vital role of healthy sleep in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Experts reiterate that recognizing and treating sleep apnea early can help prevent serious health complications and contribute to a healthier nation.
Modern treatment options—including lifestyle modification, weight reduction, CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and advanced airway surgeries—can effectively control the disease and reduce long-term health risks when diagnosed early.
On this World Sleep Day, Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea(IASSA) call upon policymakers to:
Integrate OSA screening into national NCD prevention programs
Promote sleep health awareness among the public and healthcare providers
Expand access to sleep diagnostic facilities across the country
Encourage research and surveillance on sleep disorders in India
Recognizing sleep apnea early can play a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, thereby improving population health and reducing healthcare costs.
Healthy sleep is essential for a healthy nation. Addressing sleep apnea today can help prevent the NCD epidemic of tomorrow.
