Over 50 million Indians suffer from obstructive sleep disorder: Experts

 HYDERABAD: Medical experts have estimated that more than 50 million people in India are suffering from sleep apnea and said that the figures could be higher in undiagnosed cases.

These chilling statistics emerged during the ninth annual conference of the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnoea (IASSA), IASSACON 2023, at AIG Hospitals in the city.

The three-day conference, which concluded on Saturday, had the participation of over 400 specialists, including ENT surgeons, pulmonologists, and dentists drawn from all over the country. The meeting revolved around obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and all aspects related to the disorder.

Dr. Srinivas Kishore Sistla, director (ENT, head & neck surgery) AIG Hospitals and organising chairman, IASSACON 2023, said, “Many people complain about waking up tired and fatigued every day. This could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder that affects breathing during sleep. OSA can lead to various health complications if left untreated. Don't ignore symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air and daytime sleepiness. With timely treatment, one can regain quality sleep and improve overall health.”

Concerned at the rise of OSA cases, experts have advocated insurance cover, spreading public awareness and establishing more sleep lab facilities from the current 600.

Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of AIG Hospitals said, “The menace of ‘obstructive sleep apnea’ needs to be tackled from all fronts and insurance is a key component for providing accessible care. This disorder can have grave consequences for society as it could lead to accidents when the driver dozes off. We are planning a universal screening program to identify such patients and help them with appropriate treatment”.

IASSACON 2023 served as a platform for exchange of knowledge, innovation and advancements, during sessions, workshops, and live demonstrations.

The conference also featured a standout component with live surgery demonstrations on all three days.