What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder where the airway is repeatedly obstructed during sleep, causing intermittent oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep.

How many people in India might have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Indian studies suggest that around 9-13% of adults, translating to over 100 million individuals, may have moderate to severe OSA, with many remaining undiagnosed.

What health problems are linked to untreated OSA?

Untreated OSA is strongly linked to major non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

Home / Health / Sleep Apnea: India's Silent Epidemic?

Sleep Apnea: India's Silent Epidemic?

13 Mar

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Summary

Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects nearly one billion adults worldwide.
India may have over 100 million undiagnosed OSA cases.
Untreated OSA links to hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Sleep specialists from PGIMER are emphasizing the critical impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) ahead of World Sleep Day. This disorder, characterized by repeated airway obstruction during sleep, leads to oxygen deprivation and fragmented rest. Globally, nearly one billion adults aged 30-69 are estimated to have OSA, with India expected to bear a substantial portion of this load. Indian studies suggest that up to 13% of adults, equating to over 100 million individuals, may suffer from moderate to severe OSA, with most remaining undiagnosed.

The implications of untreated OSA are severe, as it is strongly associated with major non-communicable diseases including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The intermittent oxygen deprivation during sleep can promote inflammation and insulin resistance, contributing to cardiometabolic diseases. Experts stress that effectively combating the epidemics of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease in India is impossible without addressing the pervasive issue of sleep apnea. Sleep health's neglect in preventive medicine necessitates greater focus, with OSA screening identified as a powerful public health strategy.

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