All is not well with our schoolchildren, especially those studying in the private schools in the national Capital. With 40 per cent and ten per cent children studying in the private and Government schools respectively in the national Capital found to be obese in an ongoing AIIMS survey, doctors have warned that this could lead to sleep apnea, a serious disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted at night.
If ignored, it can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
Dr Vijay Hadda, Associate Professor and Sleep Medicine expert, AIIMS Delhi, advises parents that if their child is obese, then it’s time to consult a doctor to find out if he or she has the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring, rough breathing, daytime sleepiness, poor academic performance, behavior issues and depression.
Sharing the preliminary results of the ongoing extensive AIIMS survey , he said that we have found that at least 40 per cent of students in private schools and ten per cent in the government schools are obese.
“The study is showing disturbing indications. We feel that most of the obese kids we have surveyed must be suffering with the sleep disorder. But it is a matter of concern that parents are not ready to accept that their child is obese or suffering with sleep disorder,” he said.
“Sleep apnea is caused by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. Among these, obesity is one of the strongest sleep apnea risk factors. Mild to moderate obesity has been associated with markedly increased sleep apnea prevalence,” he added.
Dr Hadda said that a total 15,000 school students have been surveyed so far in the ongoing study which was initiated three years ago. The results are not encouraging.
In fact, the percentage of the sleeping disorder could be on the higher side. “Since obesity and inactive lifestyle is one of the main causes for sleep disorders, the data clearly reflect upon the poor eating habits and sedentary living habits among the school kids in the private schools. Students in the age group of 5-15 years are being screened under the study.
Students of the government schools are on the better side as we have found ten per cent obesity prevalence in them. Dr Hadda said sleep apnea is growing among all ages, and is becoming a huge problem.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed with the help of a sleep study called nocturnal polysomnography, done in an overnight sleep laboratory. This process records brain waves, eye and leg movements, oxygen levels, airflow, and heart rhythm during sleep.
Dr Hadda said that a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is recommended, which consists of an air blower that continuously blows air through the nose or mouth. The air pressure helps in preventing collapse of the upper airway tissues during sleep. Other options include certain oral devices and surgery.