Public awareness programmes on sleep deprivation planned

North Karnataka Sleep Centre, a first such facility in North Karnataka, celebrated World Sleep Day in Hubballi on Friday and announced plans to conduct public awareness programmes on sleep deprivation and related health disorders.

Addressing presspersons in Hubballi on Friday, doctor Ameet Sattur said that the North Karnataka Sleep Centre is the first such centre in the region and it has been established to raise awareness among people. He said that having proper sleep is very important.

He stated that sleep deprivation should be considered a public health issue. Deep sleep is essential because it helps release toxins from the body. Otherwise, it may lead to a series of health issues such as mental health problems, high cortisol levels, fatty liver, dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure and such other conditions.

To avoid health issues, seven-eight hours of deep sleep is necessary along with a balanced lifestyle, he added.

Doctor Datta Nadgir said that sleep helps repair the body.

Among the individuals who were screened and tested, over 90% were found to have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). He said that sleep apnea is a major contributor to many diseases.

Doctor Govind Desai said that some of the early symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, obesity, morning headaches and hypertension and that early treatment can help prevent long-term complications.

Super-speciality doctors Rajendra Dugani and Harish Joshi were also present.