Latest news with #ObstructiveSleepApnoea
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Snoring isn't always harmless: sleep apnoea is the epidemic we're not talking about
It usually starts with a joke: 'you snore like a tractor' or even, 'your snores shook the walls.' But snoring can go beyond jokes and a bit of fun. Interestingly, a 2024 Tamil film DeAr centred around a newly-married couple, Deepika and Arjun, where oddly, the wife's snoring becomes a point of contention, used both in comedic and emotional strains. The film sensitively portrayed how something as common as snoring can affect not just sleep, but relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning. It also underlined a deeper truth, which is that snoring is not merely a social nuisance, it could be a clinical red flag. Often dismissed as being caused by exhaustion or stress, snoring could actually signal a more serious, widely underdiagnosed condition, medically termed Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). Across India, particularly in urban and semi-urban populations, we are witnessing a steep rise in OSA diagnoses, especially among younger, working adults. A growing body of research suggests that up to 20% of Indian adults are affected, with many unaware that they even have it. Sedentary lifestyles, increasing hours of screen time, disrupted circadian rhythms, weight gain, and poor sleep hygiene are all contributing to this silent epidemic. What exactly is OSA? OSA is a condition in which the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop for several seconds. These pauses, sometimes a few hundred per night, cause drops in oxygen levels, frequent arousals, and poor-quality sleep. The result? The body wakes up feeling as though it never rested. Classic symptoms include loud snoring, choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, memory lapses, mood swings, and unexplained fatigue. Over time, OSA raises the risk of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even stroke and cognitive decline. However, it's important to note that snoring is not always OSA, but nearly all OSA patients' snore. That makes habitual snoring, especially with other red flags—a clinical concern, not a joke! So why are we missing it? In my practice, many patients arrive only after years of misdiagnosis or neglect. One 34-year-old executive came in with fatigue and poor focus, previously told by physicians that it was burnout. A sleep study revealed moderate OSA. After undergoing coblation-assisted tongue-base and palatal surgery, his symptoms reversed almost entirely within six weeks. This isn't a rare case, and it's representative of a larger trend. Unfortunately, many people still associate OSA with older or overweight individuals. But today, we are seeing younger patients in their 20s and 30s, many with lean body types, develop sleep disordered breathing due to airway anatomy, postural habits, and nasal obstruction. T The role of surgical precision While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the first line of treatment, not all patients tolerate it well. For select cases, especially those with anatomical causes of obstruction, surgical interventions offer long-term relief. I have recommended minimally-invasive surgical options that use advanced coblation technology to gently reshape and open the airway. Recent medical studies have shown that this approach, especially when combined with soft palate procedures, can significantly reduce snoring, improve sleep quality, and restore energy during the day. These outcomes aren't just clinical—they're transformational. Patients regain their energy, confidence, and quality of life. Where do we go from here? It is time we reframe snoring and poor sleep as early warnings. So, if you, or someone in your family, snores loudly, wakes up choking, or feels excessively tired despite a full night's sleep, don't wait. A simple sleep study could change the trajectory of your health. Bear in mind that sleep is not a luxury, it is the foundation for physical and mental well-being. Let's treat it that way. (Dr. Karthik Madesh Ratnavelu is a senior ENT and head & neck surgeon at SIMS Hospitals, Chennai. karthikmadesh@
Business Standard
11-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Revolutionising Sleep Health: The Vision Behind SLEEPCARE Clinics
PNN New Delhi [India], July 11: The silent pandemic of poor sleep health continues to rise in a world that glorifies busyness and undervalues rest. Insufficient and disturbed sleep contributes to a broad spectrum of physical, emotional, and cognitive issues -- yet remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated aspects of healthcare. One organisation working tirelessly to change this narrative is SLEEPCARE Clinics of Sleep and Respiratory Medicine -- a unique, multidisciplinary healthcare provider dedicated entirely to the science, care, and advocacy of sleep. Founded by Prof. Carlos Rivas-Echeverria, an experienced General Practitioner with a special interest in Sleep Medicine based in the United Kingdom, SLEEPCARE Clinics represents the culmination of years of research, clinical practice, and a relentless commitment to improving lives through better sleep. With services spanning the UK, Spain, Venezuela and other countries, the clinics have quickly positioned themselves as pioneers in holistic sleep medicine, blending medical expertise with innovative diagnostics, patient-centred care, and community outreach. The Journey: From GP Practice to Global Sleep Advocate Prof. Rivas-Echeverria's journey into sleep medicine is a beautiful story in which happiness, love, and dedication won the battle against death and sorrow. His sister had a sudden death because of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which he successfully resuscitated. That happened 25 years ago, when that condition was almost unknown worldwide. Furthermore, as with many profound discoveries, it began with a question. As a busy specialist in Internal Medicine and critical care and a GP in Venezuela, Spain, and the UK, he daily encountered patients with vague, seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, metabolic conditions, cardiovascular disease, accidents and reduced productivity. The underlying issue was often poor sleep. "People tend to underestimate the impact of sleep on every system in the body," explains Prof. Rivas-Echeverria. "I realised a significant gap in identifying, assessing, and treating sleep disorders, not just in Venezuela, but globally." What began as a professional curiosity soon evolved into a full-fledged mission. Prof. Rivas-Echeverria pursued specialised training in sleep medicine and established SLEEPCARE Clinics, offering comprehensive services for conditions ranging from sleep apnoea and insomnia to cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological and other conditions, among 18 different clinical specialities. A Vision Beyond Treatment At the heart of SLEEPCARE Clinics lies a vision that extends far beyond treating sleep problems -- it is about transforming the way people view sleep itself. The clinics are built on the belief that sleep is not a luxury but a fundamental pillar of health, equally as vital as nutrition and exercise. This ethos shapes the clinic's approach, integrating detailed clinical assessments, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools (including home-based sleep studies), and bespoke treatment plans combining medical, behavioural, and lifestyle interventions. SLEEPCARE Clinics is particularly passionate about patient education. "When people understand how sleep works, they're empowered to make meaningful changes," he says. This has led to the development of workshops, public awareness campaigns, regular radio programmes, and webinars focused on sleep health--all initiatives designed to foster a culture where good sleep is both prioritised and protected. Building Bridges Across Continents What makes SLEEPCARE Clinics especially remarkable is its international footprint. With physical and collaborative presences in Leicester (UK), Majorca (Spain), and Venezuela, among other countries, the organisation has embraced a genuinely global outlook. It is a franchise system that aims to serve people worldwide, and you are invited to be part of it! In addition to offering clinical services, the clinics are deeply involved in training healthcare professionals and conducting community outreach initiatives. Through partnerships with local medical organisations, universities, and health authorities, SLEEPCARE Clinics regularly organises World Sleep Day events, sleep health weeks, and educational seminars -- bringing essential knowledge to populations where sleep medicine remains underdeveloped. In 2024, SLEEPCARE Clinics led a landmark initiative offering free sleep consultations and public lectures in partnership with local health leaders. This year, further projects are planned in Ecuador, Spain, Tanzania, and Venezuela, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to closing sleep health disparities worldwide. International Recognition: Fluxx Awards 2025 In recognition of his groundbreaking work and global impact, Prof. Dr. Carlos Rivas-Echeverria was recently honoured at the prestigious Fluxx Awards 2025, where he received the titles of Sleep Medicine Expert of the Year and Clinic of the Year under the Health & Wellness category. The Fluxx Awards are renowned for celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership across diverse industries. Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, on June 5 & 6, 2025, the ceremony brought together visionaries from around the world. Prof. Rivas-Echeverria's dual win spotlighted not only his personal dedication to advancing sleep medicine but also the pioneering work of SLEEPCARE Clinics in reshaping how societies understand and treat sleep-related conditions. His holistic, compassionate, and research-driven approach embodies the very spirit of the Fluxx Awards--celebrating those who lead with purpose, innovation, and impact. This international recognition reaffirms SLEEPCARE Clinics' mission and its founder's role as a global advocate for sleep health, pushing boundaries and elevating standards in the field. A Futuristic Focus on Innovation and Impact For 25+ years, SLEEPCARE Clinics has poised for continued growth. Since then, they have been working on telemedicine and digital services, making expert sleep consultations and virtual sleep studies more accessible to international patients. That was far before COVID times. There's also a focus on collaborative research, with DESPIERTA Ltd -- a partner research and educational charity founded by the SLEEPCARE Clinics' team -- leading several upcoming studies on the epidemiology of sleep disorders in underserved communities. Moreover, the clinics are exploring partnerships with corporate organisations, addressing the rising concern of sleep deprivation and burnout in the workplace. "Healthy sleep isn't just a personal issue -- it's an economic one," confirms Prof. Rivas-Echeverria. "We want to help businesses create healthier, more productive work environments by integrating sleep health into their employee wellness programmes." Final Thoughts As SLEEPCARE Clinics continues to grow, its success stands as a potent reminder that meaningful healthcare innovation doesn't always require new drugs or devices -- sometimes, it starts by shining a light on something as timeless and essential as sleep. Through expertise, advocacy, and heart, the SLEEPCARE Clinics' team are helping people reclaim one of the most precious aspects of life -- restful, restorative sleep. To learn more about the clinic's work, book a consultation or become a franchise in your area, visit
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Dental clues to your child's sleep troubles — Nurul Zeety Azizi and Lau May Nak
JULY 7 — Your child snores loudly at night or consistently breathes through their mouth while sleeping. Perhaps they struggle to concentrate in school or wake up feeling tired despite what seems like a full night's rest. Do these scenarios sound familiar? If so, your child may be experiencing a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). While OSA is increasingly recognised and discussed among adults, a critical blind spot remains: many people are unaware that this debilitating condition can significantly affect children as well. Often dismissed as just 'loud snoring,' OSA in children presents unique challenges and carries serious long-term health and developmental risks that are frequently overlooked. As we approach July 10th, World Airway Disorders Day, it's crucial to shine a light on conditions like paediatric OSA and their profound impact on a child's overall well-being. This day serves as an important reminder of the need for greater awareness and early intervention for all airway-related issues. At its core, OSA arises when sleep is disrupted by intermittent pauses or reductions in breathing, caused by a partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. In children, common culprits are enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other contributing factors can include obesity, craniofacial abnormalities, allergic rhinitis, or even certain dental issues. Often dismissed as just 'loud snoring,' OSA in children presents unique challenges and carries serious long-term health and developmental risks that are frequently overlooked. — Unsplash pic Surprisingly, many parents remain unaware that dental factors can play a significant role in contributing to OSA. In numerous cases, it is often the dental professional who first identifies critical warning signs during routine dental check-ups and subsequently refers the child to an ENT specialist for further evaluation. This crucial connection stems from the fact that the very shape and structure of a child's mouth and jaw are intrinsically linked to their airway function. Indeed, dentists, particularly paediatric dental specialists and orthodontists, receive specialised training to identify structural issues that can severely impact breathing. These include a narrow or high-arched palate, a receded lower or upper jaw, tongue thrusting habits, or an anterior open bite — all of which can dramatically reduce essential airway space and significantly contribute to OSA symptoms. Understanding the potential link between dental health and a child's breathing during sleep is the first step. For parents seeking to protect their child's well-being, here are some practical tips that are important to note: Tip No. 1: Prioritise early and regular dental check-ups for your child One of the most impactful steps parents can take for their child's potential OSA concerns is to schedule early and regular dental check-ups. These visits are a critical opportunity for the early detection of subtle signs of OSA. Prompt identification can lead to timely referral and effective management, especially since many effective interventions are most successful when applied during a child's developmental years. For instance, some dental treatments for OSA leverage 'growth modification' — using specific appliances to gently widen the upper jaw, thereby improving the airway and enhancing nasal airflow. Other functional appliances are designed to encourage proper jaw growth, guiding the upper or lower jaw into a healthier forward position. Furthermore, it's worth exploring the potential benefits of myofunctional therapy, an increasingly popular non-invasive approach that uses targeted exercises to strengthen the tongue and facial muscles, often complementing other OSA treatments. Tip No. 2: Observe your child's breathing and sleep habits Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes in their child. For potential OSA, it's vital to closely observe your child's sleep, noting any unusual snoring patterns or habitual mouth breathing. Don't dismiss loud, frequent snoring, especially if it includes gasping, choking, or silent pauses in breathing, as these can be critical indicators. Persistent mouth breathing, even during waking hours, should also raise a red flag. Make it a point to communicate these observations clearly with both your dentist and family doctor. These 'detective' findings are incredibly important for healthcare professionals to piece together a comprehensive picture, guiding them toward the most appropriate evaluation and interventions for your child's well-being. Tip No. 3: Monitor for daytime behavioural and developmental clues Many parents might attribute their child's daytime hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, or irritability to personality traits or other conditions. However, it's vital to recognise that these, along with poor academic performance or even unexplained growth issues, can be significant indicators of fragmented sleep due to OSA. Children don't always present with classic adult sleepiness; instead, their bodies often react with compensatory behaviours. Share any such behavioural or developmental concerns with your healthcare provider, as they could be silent calls for help from a sleep-deprived body. In conclusion, parents play a vital role in recognising potential red flags early. Establishing regular dental visits from a young age not only promotes healthy teeth but can also be key in identifying and managing conditions like OSA before they affect a child's long-term health and development. * Dr Nurul Zeety Azizi and Associate Professor Dr Lau May Nak are dental professionals based at Universiti Malaya. They can be contacted via email at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Top news of the day: June 16, 2025
Population Census will be conducted in 2027, government notifies The next Census of India shall be conducted during the year 2027, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified on Monday (June 16, 2025). The Registrar General of India, under the MHA, issued the notification in the Gazette of India in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948 (37 of 1948). Pune bridge collapse: Police continue search operation; Fadnavis says Indrayani river bridge was declared dangerous Police on Monday (June 16) continued the search operation at the site where an iron bridge collapsed on the Indrayani River in Pune district, even as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) called off its efforts. Four people died, and 18 were seriously injured when a 32-year-old bridge over the Indrayani River in Maval tehsil collapsed on Sunday (June 15) afternoon. 'Since all missing persons have been accounted for as per directions of the district administration, the search operation has been closed,' an NDRF official said. Kedarnath helicopter crash: 2 senior officials of helicopter firm booked for negligence Two senior officials of helicopter service operating firm Aryan Aviation Private Ltd have been booked for alleged negligence leading to the chopper crash near Kedarnath that killed all seven on board, including a two-year-old and the pilot. The Bell 407 helicopter that crashed on Sunday due to bad weather in the forests of Gauri Mai Khark between Gaurikund and Triyuginarayan belonged to Aryan Aviation Private Limited. Bike taxi ban comes into effect in Karnataka, but some aggregators continue to operate Following the refusal of the High Court of Karnataka to stay the order on suspension of bike taxi services, service providers were supposed to halt their services from June 16, 2025 (today). However, as of Monday morning, a few aggregators continued to operate bike taxis and commuters took rides on the two-wheelers in Bengaluru. Warmer climate could make sleep apnoea more severe, common, study finds Sleep apnoea, a condition characterised by having trouble breathing properly while sleeping, could become more common and severe in a warmer future, a new study has found. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder, estimated to affect about a billion worldwide. The condition occurs when muscles in the throat narrow the airways, impacting breathing and blood oxygen levels during sleep. In year of 'negative news', UN climate chief says 1.5 °C goal still achievable UN climate chief Simon Stiell on Monday (June 16, 2025) said that despite a year dominated by negative headlines, many of the world's largest economies are showing encouraging signs of action on climate change and that keeping global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible. Ahmedabad plane crash: Ex-CM Rupani's mortal remains handed over to kin The mortal remains of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last week, were handed over to his family members by the civil hospital authorities in Ahmedabad on Monday (June 16, 2025). G7 summit opens in Canada with focus on trade, wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Iran When U.S. President Donald Trump last came to Canada for a Group of Seven (G7) summit, the enduring image was of him seated with his arms folded defiantly as then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel stared daggers at him. 38 Palestinians killed in new shootings near food distribution centers, medics say Gaza's Health Ministry says 38 Palestinians have been killed in new shootings in areas of food distribution centers in the south of the territory. The toll on Monday (June 16, 2025) was the deadliest yet in the near-daily shootings that have taken place as thousands of Palestinians move through Israeli military-controlled areas to reach the food centers. Witnesses say Israeli troops open fire in an attempt to control the crowds.
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Warmer climate could make sleep apnoea more severe, common, study finds
Sleep apnoea, a condition characterised by having trouble breathing properly while sleeping, could become more common and severe in a warmer future, a new study has found. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder, estimated to affect about a billion worldwide. The condition occurs when muscles in the throat narrow the airways, impacting breathing and blood oxygen levels during sleep. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, show that one's chances of experiencing sleep apnoea could spike by 45 per cent on days with higher temperatures. The effect is projected to be stronger in European countries. However, chances of these effects in populations of countries with a lower gross domestic product per capita, including India, Israel and Brazil, are higher, the study found. Lead author Bastien Lechat from Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute Sleep Health, Australia, said the study helps "understand how environmental factors like climate might affect health by investigating whether ambient temperatures influence the severity of OSA." The study also projected that the burden, impacts, and costs of obstructive sleep apnoea could double by 2100, under a warming of 1.8 degrees Celsius in global ambient temperature above pre-industrial levels. In 2023, the increased prevalence of sleep apnoea due to global warming was "associated with a loss of over 780,000 healthy life years and 105 million workplace productivity days across 29 countries," the authors wrote. The authors quantified well-being and productivity burden due to sleep apnoea. The overall loss was found to be USD 98 billion, with a workplace productivity loss of USD 30 billion, and a well-being loss of USD 68 billion. Study highlights The study is the first of its kind outlining how global warming could be expected to affect breathing during sleep and impact the world's health, wellbeing and economy, Lechat added. Studies have related sleep apnoea with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and mental conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia and Parkinson's disease. More than 500 nights of sleep data of 116,620 people from across 41 countries -- a total of about 62 million nights -- were analysed. Data was gathered using a sensor placed under the participants' mattresses. The researchers then compared this sleep data with detailed 24-hour temperature information sourced from climate models. "Globally, higher temperatures were associated with a 45 per cent higher probability of having OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea) on a given night," the authors wrote. Further, "scenarios with projected temperatures (of over) 1.8 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels would incur a further 1.2 to 3-fold increase in OSA burden by 2100," the study said. A 2023 study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews, estimated that 104 million Indians of working age suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, of whom nearly 50 per cent have it in a moderate or severe form.
