Experts at Apollo Hospitals warn that millions in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea, posing severe risks of heart attack and stroke.

Key Takeaways

  • An estimated 45-50 lakh people in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai suffer from sleep-disordered breathing.
  • Between 80-90% of Sleep Apnoea cases go undetected due to lack of awareness.
  • Untreated OSA can increase cardiovascular risks by 2-3 times.
  • Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has launched a specialized multidisciplinary Sleep Disorders Clinic.

A silent health epidemic is sweeping through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Medical experts from Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai have raised an alarm regarding the alarming prevalence of sleep disorders, revealing that nearly 80-90% of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) cases remain undiagnosed. With an estimated 45 to 50 lakh people in the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai areas living with sleep-disordered breathing, the lack of clinical recognition poses a massive public health challenge.

The Corporate Lifestyle Connection

The crisis is particularly acute among working professionals. The modern corporate environment—characterized by grueling hours, irregular sleep cycles, high-stress levels, and sedentary behavior—has become a breeding ground for sleep disorders. Experts estimate that one in five middle-aged working men and women are at high risk of developing OSA. Symptoms like loud snoring and excessive daytime fatigue are frequently dismissed as mere signs of exhaustion rather than medical red flags.

Life-Threatening Implications

Dr. Jayalakshmi T. K., Senior Consultant in Pulmonology at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, emphasized that snoring is often the body's desperate warning signal. When breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep, the brain and heart are deprived of vital oxygen. "Left untreated, sleep apnoea can increase the risk of resistant hypertension, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and sudden cardiac events," she warned. Medical data suggests that untreated sleep apnoea can escalate the risk of major cardiovascular complications by two to three times.

Integrated Care: The New Sleep Disorders Clinic

In a proactive move to combat this growing burden, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has inaugurated a dedicated Sleep Disorders Clinic. Recognizing that sleep health is complex, the clinic employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the expertise of pulmonologists, neurologists, ENT specialists, psychiatrists, and sleep technologists. This ensures a holistic diagnostic process, including advanced sleep studies and personalized long-term treatment plans.

Mr. Arunesh Punetha, Regional CEO (Western Region) of Apollo Hospitals, underscored the importance of sleep hygiene, stating, "Sleep is not a luxury; it is a pillar of good health. Just as people routinely monitor their blood pressure or blood sugar, they should also pay attention to the quality of their sleep."