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New Delhi, June 10, 2024 – Snoring, a common sleep disorder, significantly increases the risk of several serious non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and potentially fatal conditions like heart attacks and strokes, according to medical experts.
Experts highlight that snoring is often associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder. In India alone, over 120 million people are estimated to suffer from OSA. “Snoring is characterized by recurrent episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway, leading to reduced or absent breathing during sleep,” explained Dr. Manoj Pawar, Associate Consultant in Pulmonology at Manipal Hospital, Pune. These episodes are medically termed apneas and hypopneas.
While occasional snoring may not be harmful, persistent snoring accompanied by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness or restless sleep should be a cause for concern. “The prominent symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness, where patients tend to fall asleep easily during the day while watching TV, reading, or even driving, which can be very dangerous,” Dr. Pawar added. Other symptoms include early morning headaches, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, decreased sex drive, and increased urinary frequency.
The condition can lead to severe health complications due to the reduced oxygen supply to various organs, which is common in severe cases of airway obstruction. “Lack of oxygen during these episodes results in neuropsychiatric symptoms such as tiredness, irritability, and lack of concentration,” noted Dr. Santosh Bangar, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Global Hospital, Mumbai.
Snoring is also linked to increased risks of hypertension, diabetes, irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, strokes, dementia, and depression. Dr. Bangar emphasized that snoring can severely impact mental and physical health, and is also a major cause of divorce and road traffic accidents.
The condition is more common in men with short necks, large tongues, and jaw abnormalities. While it is prevalent among obese individuals, it can also affect thin people and may have hereditary links.
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes weight reduction, regular exercise, eating light dinners, and avoiding sleep tablets, smoking, and alcohol. Additionally, using devices such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) masks or jaw braces can be beneficial in managing snoring and its associated risks.
For individuals experiencing severe snoring and related symptoms, seeking medical advice and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening health issues.
