Snoring or Sleep Apnoea? Watch Out Fot These Signs to Seek Medical Attention
Snoring is a sleep disorder that can raise the risk of several non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure and blood sugar and even cause life-threatening heart attack and stroke.
New Delhi, June 10: Snoring is a sleep disorder that can raise the risk of several non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure and blood sugar and even cause life-threatening heart attack and stroke, said experts on Monday.
Snoring is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder often associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). More than 12 crore people in India reportedly suffer from OSA. Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Memory, Thinking Problems.
Dr. Manoj Pawar, Associate Consultant - Pulmonology at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune said “Snoring is characterised by the recurrent episode of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway leading to reduced or absent breathing during sleep and these episodes are termed apnoeas and hypopneas.”
Dr. Manoj also said that though not all snoring is dangerous, it may be of concern if an individual suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness or restless sleep due to it.
“The prominent symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness wherein patients tend to sleep very easily during daytime mostly while watching TV, sitting with the other members of the family, reading newspapers, and even while driving a car. It can be very dangerous,” he further added.
It can also cause early morning headaches, insomnia, trouble concentrating on things, mood changes, a decrease in sex drive and an increase in urinary frequency. Treatment for Uncontrollable Snoring Might Help Lessen Respiratory and Heartburn Symptoms at Night.
Dr Santosh Bangar, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, “When the obstruction is severe, the oxygen supply to the various body organs is affected leading to apnea (stoppage of breathing). Because of lack of oxygen, they suffer from a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as tiredness, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and lack of concentration.”
He further added, “It is a major cause of divorce and road traffic accidents, and can lead to mental and physical health complications hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, irregular heart rhythm, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, stroke (paralysis), dementia and depression".
Dr Santosh also said it is more common in men with a short neck, large tongue and jaw abnormality. Besides obese individuals, it can also be seen in thin people and can be hereditary.
The experts suggested a healthy lifestyle, including weight reduction, regular exercise, eating a light dinner, and avoiding sleep tablets, smoking, and alcohol. Wearing a mask (CPAP, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or jaw braces may also help.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 12, 2024 04:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).