Sleep disorders are emerging as a major public health concern in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Experts estimate that 45–50 lakh people across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are living with sleep-disordered breathing, yet 80–90% of cases remain undiagnosed because symptoms such as loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness are often ignored.
At a patient awareness meet, specialists from Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai stressed the need for greater awareness and early diagnosis.
Corporate Professionals at Higher Risk
According to experts, long working hours, irregular sleep schedules, stress, and sedentary lifestyles have increased the risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) among working professionals. Nearly one in five middle-aged men and women is estimated to be at high risk.
Dr. Jayalakshmi T. K., Senior Consultant – Pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said that snoring should not be dismissed as a harmless habit, as it may indicate repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other cardiovascular complications.
Dedicated Sleep Disorders Clinic Launched
Untreated sleep apnoea can raise the risk of serious cardiovascular complications by two to three times, making early diagnosis crucial. As per the press release, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has launched a dedicated Sleep Disorders Clinic that offers comprehensive evaluation, sleep studies, personalised treatment, and long-term follow-up through a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
Recognise the Warning Signs
The patient awareness programme also featured stories of individuals whose health and quality of life improved after receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Experts advised people not to ignore symptoms such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and uncontrolled hypertension. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help prevent serious health complications.
Mr. Arunesh Punetha, Regional CEO – Western Region, Apollo Hospitals, said that healthy sleep is as important as monitoring blood pressure or blood sugar. He added that the initiative aims to encourage people to recognise sleep disorders early and seek timely medical care.