World Sleep Day, observed on March 14, 2025, emphasizes the critical role of sleep in overall health, with the theme “Make Sleep-Health a Priority.” As stress, technology, and demanding schedules disrupt sleep, quality rest is more vital than ever. Sleep impact’s cognitive function, emotional well-being, immune health, and productivity—making it as important as nutrition and exercise.
In Kolkata, the Calcutta Sleep Society, in collaboration with the World Sleep Society, hosted a session on the diverse phenotypes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) based on age, gender, and geography. Recognizing this, World Sleep Society in association with Calcutta Sleep Society organized a special session in Kolkata on the diverse phenotypical presentations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) based on age, gender, and geographic variations in the esteemed presence of Dr. Sourav Das, Senior Consultant Sleep medicine specialist, Somnos Sleep clinic, Kolkata & Regional Coordinator for World Sleep Day (World Sleep Society) and Secretary, Calcutta Sleep Society, along with Dr. Uttam Agarwal, President, Calcutta Sleep Society and Sleep Apnea & ENT Surgeon, Orange Sleep Apnea Clinic & Belle Vue Clinic. The afternoon sessions were evolving understanding of OSA, which was once thought to primarily affect middle-aged, overweight men. Recent research shows OSA affects a broader range of individuals, requiring personalized diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Key findings include:
Age Differences: Middle-aged individuals (45-60 years) show the highest OSA severity. Older adults (60+) experience fewer REM-related apneas, while younger adults (<45 years) are more prone to REM-OSA.
Gender Disparities: Men are diagnosed at twice the rate of women, with women often presenting atypical symptoms, leading to under-diagnosis. Post-menopausal women face an increased risk.
Urban vs. Rural Prevalence: OSA is more prevalent in urban areas (19.5%) due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Rural areas report lower prevalence (11.2%) but suffer from a significant diagnosis gap (67%).
Highlighting the impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Dr. Das further adds that un-diagnosed and untreated OSA can contribute to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and impaired cognitive function. He stresses the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches to mitigate these risks. Dr. Agarwal reinforces this by pointing out that greater awareness, improved screening programs, and accessible treatment options are essential to reducing the burden of sleep disorders in India. Both experts advocate for a multi-disciplinary approach to sleep health, urging collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and public health initiatives to ensure better sleep care for all. While addressing the media, Dr. Sourav Das, Kolkata based renowned sleep specialist said that “Sleep deprivation isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s a public health crisis with widespread consequences. Ensuring equitable access to quality sleep is essential for a healthier tomorrow.” Even, Dr. Uttam Agarwal, a leading Sleep Apnea surgeon and President of the Calcutta Sleep Society, echoes the sentiment, stating, “Quality sleep is the cornerstone of good health. On World Sleep Day 2025, let’s champion sleep equity, ensuring everyone has access to restorative rest—because a well-rested society is healthier, happier, and more productive.”
Advances in sleep medicine have identified distinct OSA phenotypes like Positional OSA, REM-OSA, Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS), Overlap Syndrome, and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), which require personalized treatment strategies.
The Calcutta Sleep Society urges policymakers and healthcare providers to implement nationwide screening, especially for high-risk groups like women, the elderly, and rural populations. Raising public awareness and integrating sleep apnea management into primary healthcare policies will improve accessibility and patient outcomes. By advancing research, training, and public education, India can tackle the under-diagnosis of OSA and promote better sleep health across the country.
