Hyderabad: One of the reasons for the sudden death of otherwise healthy persons between midnight and 5 am could be sleep apnea, doctors say.

A study carried out in the West showed that disturbed sleep blocks the airways due to which the body does not get sufficient oxygen. This in turn affects the heart. When it happens over a long period of time, there could be sudden cardiac arrest.

This study was presented by a western delegation at the conference on sleep apnea, held by the Indian Association of Sleep Surgeons.

Sleep surgeon Dr Ravi Kishore said, “Studies show that 70 per cent of the people who die suddenly at night could be suffering from sleep disorders. The major problem in India is that no one understands that an improper sleep pattern is a medical problem. They blame it on tension or social causes. The problem could be simply that the breathing pattern is affected and due to that there is lack of sleep.”

Dr Praveen C, sleep surgeon, said: “It was earlier thought to be a disorder due to night shifts. Now we are finding it even among those who lead normal lives. Prolonged sleep disturbance must be discussed with doctors.”