Sandeep Bansal Takes Charge as IASSA President, Flags Growing Burden of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Dr Sandeep Bansal has assumed charge as the head of the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnoea, bringing renewed focus to obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition specialists say remains widely underdiagnosed in India.

With a background in sleep surgery and airway disorders, Dr Bansal has indicated that his tenure will prioritise awareness, early diagnosis and coordinated treatment approaches. Medical professionals associated with the body have underlined that obstructive sleep apnoea is increasingly linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary habits and metabolic disorders.

Clinicians note that untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to hypertension, cardiovascular complications and reduced quality of life. Despite its clinical implications, many patients either dismiss symptoms such as loud snoring and daytime fatigue or are unaware of the need for specialist evaluation.

The association plans to encourage collaboration between ENT specialists, pulmonologists, dentists and sleep medicine experts to ensure multidisciplinary management. There is also an emphasis on strengthening diagnostic facilities, particularly sleep laboratories in smaller cities.

Health experts maintain that addressing sleep disorders must form part of a broader preventive health conversation, especially as non communicable diseases continue to rise. The leadership transition at the association is being seen as an opportunity to sharpen clinical standards and expand public engagement on sleep health.