Apollo experts warn that 80-90 per cent of sleep apnoea cases go undiagnosed

Sleep disorders are emerging as one of the most overlooked public health concerns in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with experts estimating that nearly 45-50 lakh people across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai may be living with sleep-disordered breathing, while 80-90 per cent remain undiagnosed because symptoms such as loud snoring and excessive daytime fatigue are often dismissed as normal.

Addressing the media at a patient awareness meet, specialists from Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai highlighted the growing burden of sleep disorders and emphasised the urgent need for greater public awareness and timely intervention.

Experts noted that the problem is particularly prevalent among working professionals in corporates, where long working hours, irregular sleep schedules, stress and sedentary lifestyles have significantly increased the risk of sleep disorders. Nearly one in five middle-aged working men and women are estimated to be at high risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Dr Jayalakshmi T. K., Senior Consultant-Pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “Snoring should never be dismissed as a harmless habit. In many individuals, it is the body’s warning signal that breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, depriving the brain and heart of oxygen. Left untreated, sleep apnoea can increase the risk of resistant hypertension, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and sudden cardiac events.”

Medical experts cautioned that untreated sleep apnoea can increase the risk of major cardiovascular complications by two to three times, making early diagnosis critical. However, awareness remains low, and access to specialised sleep services is limited.

Recognising this growing healthcare need, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has recently launched a dedicated Sleep Disorders Clinic, offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of sleep disorders. The multidisciplinary clinic brings together pulmonologists, neurologists, ENT specialists, psychiatrists and sleep technologists to provide integrated diagnosis, sleep studies, personalised treatment plans and long-term follow-up.

Experts urged people not to ignore symptoms such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and uncontrolled hypertension, as these could indicate an underlying sleep disorder. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Arunesh Punetha, Regional CEO-Western Region, Apollo Hospitals said, “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. Our goal is not only to treat sleep disorders but also to increase awareness so that more people recognise the importance of healthy sleep in leading healthier lives.”