Sleep Apnea is likely to Lead to Health Issues

Says, Harish R, Head Sleep and Respiratory Care Philips India in an interaction with Ekta Srivastava, Health Technology.in…

Harish R, Head Sleep and Respiratory Care Philips India in an interaction

Maybe a third of the population experiences a sleep problem some time. It’s really quite common, isn’t it?

Yes it is. Philips Healthcare and Blue Caterpillar conducted a study in India on Sleep. It has revealed that more than 53% suffer from Sleep Apnea .As experts have specified earlier, this survey further establishes the correlation that sleep apnea is likely to lead to health issues such as increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity and irregular heartbeats amongst others. The study further showcased that 14% of suspects suffer from cardiac problem against only 6% in the non-suspects group. 84% of the suspects also confessed to people getting troubled because of their heavy snoring. They also emphasized the pressing need to get treated for sleep apnea before it turns into life-threatening conditions like chronic cardiac conditions, strokes, neurological disorders to name a few.

Now, I know some people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea specialists would recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine — what is that?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) treats OSA by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a facial mask to keep the airway open during sleep. As a result:

• Breathing becomes regular during sleep
• Snoring stops
• Restful sleep is restored
• Quality of life is improved

Do you think devices like this and other wearable devices have become more comfortable now a day’s then it used to be?

Yes it’s becoming more comfortable as technology has improved and especially patient interface has become more comfortable like: light weight, smaller in size and good quality of material and battery operated. The technology is now so advanced, that with relevant approvals for the device it can be used in flights also, granting patients with more mobility.

Do you feel now you have the tools, the behavioural tools, the medications, the devices like you just mentioned so that most people can be helped?

We believe that effective sleep and respiratory management empowers patients to rediscover confidence and the freedom to live a fulfilling life by restoring their ability to sleep and breathe naturally. At home and on the go, personalized sleep and COPD therapies make it easy for everyone to engage with their care and integrate it into everyday life, enhancing their experience and results. As intuitive to experience as sleeping or breathing itself, technologies and solutions help every patient to embrace their condition in order to help them in their goals to regain control, feel human again, and live the life that they want. With the advent of IoT technologies the patient and doctors are more connected and can be monitored remotely ensuring the patient adheres to the doctor’s therapy guidelines thus ensuring better outcomes.

How do you think a bedroom should be to promote sleep? Should it have all the TV and the gizmos around, or do you have a different view?

Sleep hygiene is really important and TV and gizmos ideally should not be in the room. Dim the lights. Eating a light dinner can also help according to experts.