Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on Your Health

Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on Your Health

22 May, 2025

Sleep is vital for both our physical and mental well-being. But what if sleeplessness results not from an external distraction or from stress, but from your breathing?

For many people, this defines their normal life, living with a condition referred to as sleep Apnea.

Sunrise Hospital, one of the Best ENT Hospitals in Kochi, understands the importance of a good night's sleep, and the risks of an easily overlooked condition.

Let us consider sleep apnea, its variations, signs and symptoms, dangers, and the importance of early detection and treatment - particularly from an ENT specialist - and how it may affect our quality of sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnea and Why Should You Be Concerned?

Also called 'apnoea' in British English,' sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Each pause in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes.Notably, the person may not be aware of these episodes due to their occurrence in their subconscious during sleep. The number of episodes can add up to 30 or more times in one hour.

Because of this, the body does not get enough oxygen, which could cause a poor night's sleep and a lot of health-related issues. There are three main types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – the most common form, occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively and block the airway;

2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – a less common form of sleep apnea that occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing; and

3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome – also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea; a combination of OSA and CSA, usually diagnosed when someone gets treatment for OSA.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can often go undiagnosed, especially since many of its symptoms occur during sleep. Here are some of the most typical signs:

• Loud and chronic snoring

• Episodes where you stop breathing during sleep (often observed by a partner)

• Gasping or choking sounds while asleep

• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

• Persistent morning headaches

• Feeling excessively sleepy during the day

• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues

• Irritability or mood swings

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to consult a qualified ENT specialist.

Why Is It So Important to Understand and Treat Sleep Apnea?

Many people treat snoring as a joke or mere annoyance. However, untreated sleep apnea can result in severe, even life-threatening, complications:

• Heart-related issues: Increased risk of hypertension, heart attacks, arrhythmias, and strokes.

• Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance and poor glucose control.

• Liver complications: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is more common among patients with sleep apnea.

• Surgical risks: General anaesthesia and certain medications can be dangerous for undiagnosed patients.

• Cognitive and emotional challenges: Poor concentration, memory lapses, anxiety, and depression are common.

Treating sleep apnea not only helps you rest better but can significantly improve your quality of life, reduce health risks, and boost productivity.

Why Is an ENT Specialist Crucial in Managing Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea often originates from structural issues in the nose, throat, or airway. An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist is trained to identify and treat these anatomical causes effectively. At Sunrise Hospital, known as the Best ENT Hospital in Kochi, our expert ENT team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, sleep studies, and tailored treatment plans — ranging from lifestyle guidance and CPAP therapy to minimally invasive surgeries.

Who Are the Doctors at Sunrise Hospital, Kochi?

At Sunrise Hospital, we are proud of our experienced and compassionate ENT team, who combine knowledge, precision, and a patient-first approach.

Dr. Ranjini Raghavan

Consultant ENT Surgeon

Department of ENT, Sunrise Group of Hospitals, Kochi

With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Ranjini Raghavan stands as one of the leading authorities in the treatment of sleep disorders and ENT conditions in India. Serving as Senior Consultant ENT Surgeon at the Sunrise Group of Hospitals, Kochi since 2011, Dr. Ranjini Raghavan currently heads the Department of ENT, where she has transformed the unit into a centre of excellence for advanced ENT care.

Her expertise lies particularly in the management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). Having conducted more than 500 multilevel surgical corrections for sleep apnoea, she brings an unmatched level of experience and success in this sub-speciality. On average, she consults 35 to 40 patients daily, including international clientele, making her one of the most sought-after ENT specialists in the region.

Under her leadership, the ENT department regularly organises awareness programmes and clinical workshops, promoting better understanding and early diagnosis of ENT and sleep-related disorders. Her approach is rooted in patient-centred care, evidence-based medicine, and surgical excellence.

Academic Qualifications

• MBBS

• MS (ENT)

Years of Experience

• 25+ years of clinical practice

• 13.9+ years with Sunrise Group of Hospitals

Dr. Aparna Karunakaran

Consultant ENT Surgeon

Department of ENT, Sunrise Group of Hospitals, Kochi

Dr. Aparna Karunakaran is a dynamic and skilled ENT surgeon, with focused training in endoscopic nasal procedures and coblation-assisted surgeries, including endoscopic adenotonsillectomy. Her practice is rooted in the comprehensive management of disorders affecting the ear, nose, and throat, with a strong emphasis on patient safety and minimally invasive techniques.

An alumna of MES Academy of Medical Sciences, Perinthalmanna, Dr. Aparna Karunakaran pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology (DLO) from the prestigious Government Medical College, Kozhikode, where she was awarded the M.T. Namboothiripad Gold Medal for the best outgoing postgraduate in 2017. She then completed her DNB in Otorhinolaryngology from Aster Medcity, Kochi, further honing her surgical skills and clinical acumen.

Known for her ability to manage ENT emergencies with confidence and precision, Dr. Aparna Karunakaran continues to gain recognition for her commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care.

Academic Qualifications

• MBBS

• DLO (Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology)

• DNB (ORL – Otorhinolaryngology)

Years of Experience

• 3.7+ years of clinical experience

With such a dedicated team, it’s no surprise that patients trust us as their go-to destination for the Best ENT Specialist in Kochi.

What Services Do We Offer at Sunrise Hospital for ENT and Sleep Apnea?

We offer a comprehensive range of ENT and sleep-related services:

• Polysomnography (sleep studies)

• Diagnostic nasal endoscopy

• Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE)

• CPAP and BiPAP therapy assistance

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for snoring

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

• Septoplasty and adenoidectomy

• Balloon sinuplasty

• Tonsillectomy and turbinate reduction

Each patient is assessed individually, and a personalised treatment plan is created to ensure the most effective outcome.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea — or any ENT-related issues — don’t wait. Early detection and expert care can transform your life. Whether it's persistent snoring, disturbed sleep, or breathing difficulties, trust Sunrise Hospital, the name synonymous with the Best ENT Hospital in Kochi.

To book a consultation or know more about our services call us at +91 484 2660000 or email us at: enquiry@sunrisehospital.in