Unmasking Sleep Disorders: The Silent Epidemic Impacting Millions

In today’s digitalised and fast-paced world, sleeping disorders have evolved into a silent epidemic, wreaking havoc not only on our physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life but also on healthcare facilities. *Sleep disorders have already encompassed several clinical problems such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy and others in developed nations including the USA, Japan, South Korea and several European countries. India is no exception—its population is increasingly sleep-deprived, with dire consequences. 

A recent survey by a community-based platform, LocalCircles, revealed that a staggering 61 per cent of Indians get fewer than six hours of uninterrupted sleep, a troubling trend that has surged by 6 per cent in just a year. This isn’t just about a condition like fatigue, it’s a full-blown crisis. **Hospitals across the country are witnessing an alarming rise in their OPDs with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as weight gain, risk of myocardial infarction, hypertension, and diabetes due to undiagnosed sleeping disorders.

***OSA is one of the prominent sleeping disorders among these patients. It significantly affects daily life. Those with OSA often struggle with fatigue and low energy throughout the day. Sadly, there is a lack of awareness about this. In India, people often associate loud snoring, one of the key symptoms of OSA, with restful sleep.

Although the recommended amount of sleep in a 24-hour period is 7–8 hours, there is a sharp decline in sleep duration. If we are regularly losing out on sleep, there will be a huge sleep deficit, and we become more susceptible to sleeping disorders. For example, if we sleep 4 hours less than the recommended each night, we will have a debt of 28 hours after just one week. Beyond health implications, poor sleep impacts work performance, decision-making, and overall productivity, making it an economic concern as well.

Bridging the Awareness Gap: The Need for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment 

Recognising and diagnosing sleep disorders can be challenging, as many psychiatric and neuro conditions share similar symptoms and often overlap. Insomnia, fatigue, and altered sleep patterns are common indicators of mood, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental disorders, while sleep disorders themselves can manifest significant neuropsychiatric symptoms. Research over the years has reinforced the idea that sleep and wakefulness are critical brain functions, playing a vital role in overall well-being and significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life. Identifying sleep disorders can be challenging, but recognising key symptoms and asking the right questions can pave the way for an accurate diagnosis. Understanding sleep patterns, disruptions, and their impact on daily life is essential in uncovering underlying conditions and finding effective treatment solutions.

An improvement in awareness about sleep disorders has been observed in the last couple of years. However, there is still a long way to go in increasing seriousness towards diagnosing and treating this disorder. MedTech companies and the physician community have an important role to play in this regard. While brands work on sensitising people towards sleep apnea, it is also vital to equip physicians with the right know-how to screen, diagnose and treat sleep disorders. 

Way Forward: Acknowledging the importance of sleep 

***Since sleep disorders are increasingly becoming common, therefore addressing the growing sleep crisis will involve a multi-faceted approach. Education is key, we must amplify the importance of sleep and how to achieve quality rest through the education curriculum. Research continues to expand our understanding of sleep disorders, with advancements in large-scale studies and genetics helping shape better treatments. Exposure plays a crucial role in removing stigma; recognising sleep disorders as a widespread issue encourages more people to seek help.

On an individual level, small lifestyle changes can improve sleep quality—daylight exposure, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting caffeine, alcohol, and screen time before bed can all contribute to better rest. Maintaining consistent sleep routines and creating a relaxing bedtime ritual are also essential. Acknowledging the importance of sleep and taking proactive steps can help individuals and society combat this silent epidemic.

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DISCLAIMER

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

*Source – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10840067/, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/sleep-health, https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article-abstract/23/1/1/2749941?redirectedFrom=PDF, https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/33/2/242/7049369

**Source – https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/sleeping-disorders-left-untreated-have-detrimental-consequences-on-our-mental-and-physical-well-being-dr-sibasish-dey/427867/

***Source https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459252/; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343374023_Sleep_Disorders_Prevalence_Studies_in_Indian_Population