A recent study conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has shed light on the startling prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among the Indian population. The findings suggest that approximately 11% of adult Indians are afflicted with OSA, with a notable gender disparity that places men at a higher risk, with a prevalence rate of 13%, compared to women, who stand at 5%.
The study, led by Dr. Anant Mohan, the head of the pulmonology department at AIIMS, extrapolated data from seven different studies conducted over the past two decades across various regions of India. The results paint a concerning picture: an estimated 104 million Indians grapple with OSA, with a staggering 47 million experiencing moderate to severe OSA.
OSA is a sleep disorder characterized by the repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns and fragmented sleep cycles. The consequences of this widespread condition extend far beyond the realm of sleep. Dr. Mohan emphasized the potential repercussions, stating that this substantial disease burden could significantly impact the economic productivity of the working-age population in India, as well as their long-term health.
These findings have been published in the latest issue of Sleep Medicine Reviews, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, diagnosis, and intervention to address the growing prevalence of sleep apnea in India and its potential implications for public health and the nation’s workforce.
