Hubballi: Sleep apnea is increasingly being recognized as a major public health concern, with experts warning that it could emerge as the next silent epidemic affecting modern society. Data from the North Karnataka Sleep Centre in Hubballi, a state-of-the-art facility offering both level 1 polysomnography and level 3 sleep studies, highlights the growing burden of sleep-related breathing disorders in the region.
Centre's findings and expert insights
The centre was founded by super specialists, including neurologists Dr Datta Nadgir and Dr Rajendra Dugani, endocrinologist Dr Harish Joshi, pulmonologist Dr Shylendra, cardiologist Dr Ameet Sattur and pulmonologist Dr Govind Desai. The centre has conducted over 500 sleep studies. Analysis revealed that nearly 90% of individuals tested were diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Of those diagnosed, around 60% were men and 40% were women, though prevalence among post-menopausal women was almost equal to men. Most affected individuals were between 30 and 60 years.
Dr Ameet Sattur, one of the founders, told TOI that lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, obesity, stress and excessive mobile phone use are key reasons for the rise in sleep disorders. He said the condition is no longer limited to urban populations, with patients from districts such as Bagalkot, Gadag, Haveri, Davanagere, Belagavi, Vijayapura and Bidar seeking treatment at the centre, which is equipped with advanced facilities. “We conduct all tests in our lab and, based on the patient’s condition, recommend level 1 or level 3 treatment. We provide CPAP therapy to patients, who are required to wear a mask while their sleep pattern is studied. For local patients, the machine can also be installed at home. After evaluation, we suggest suitable remedies. The treatment is offered at a nominal cost. Earlier, we treated 15 to 20 patients a month; this has now risen to 35 to 40. More awareness is needed,” he said.
Health risks and treatment benefits
Sleep apnea is often associated with hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity and other metabolic disorders. Experts stress that untreated OSA significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and cognitive decline. Encouragingly, patients undergoing CPAP therapy and lifestyle modifications have shown marked improvement in sleep quality, daytime alertness and overall health. The centre advocates early screening and timely intervention to prevent long-term complications, he added.
Case studies of young patients
A five-year-old child from Bagalkot who repeatedly lost consciousness was treated at the centre and has shown improvement in sleep quality. A six-year-old girl with sleep issues was diagnosed with neurological problems and treated at the centre, and is now leading a normal life.
