Sleep Studies Can Help You Avoid Nasty Surprises

Experts state that sudden death which occurs between 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. in a healthy person is linked to sleep apnea.

According to a recent study carried out in the West, it was discovered that disturbed sleep results in blocked airways, due to which the body receives insufficient oxygen. 

Because of this reason, the heart does not obtain enough oxygen and its functioning gets affected. When this happens over a long period of time, the result is sudden cardiac arrest. 

This study was put forth by a delegation from the West who attended an IASSA (Indian Association of Sleep Surgeons for Sleep Apnea) Conference in Hyderabad.

Dr Ravi Kishore, a Sleep Surgeon, explained, “Studies have shown that 70 percent of the sudden deaths at night could be linked to sleep disorders. But no one in India is ready to understand that an improper sleep pattern is a medical problem; they consider it to be due to tension or other social causes. But the problem, many a times, can simply be that the breathing pattern is affected and due to that, there’s a lack of sleep.”

Although doctors are being sensitized to this issue, there is still a strong need to make people aware so that they can opt for sleep studies.

Dr Praveen C, another Sleep Surgeon, explained, “Earlier, sleep disorders  were thought to result from night shifts. But now, we’re finding it even in those who are leading normal lives. Hence, improper sleep patterns occurring over a long period of time must be discussed with doctors so that the right interventions can be taken up as early as possible.”