Sleep conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and nocturia are increasingly affecting individuals’ quality of sleep, according to recent health reports. OSA, identified by interrupted breathing during sleep, is estimated to affect one in 20 people, with prevalent risk factors including obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic heart conditions, and a higher susceptibility among men. Symptoms such as loud snoring, breathing pauses, and frequent awakenings are characteristic of the condition, which, if untreated, may lead to serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Treatments range from CPAP machines and mandibular advancement devices to lifestyle changes like weight management and reduced alcohol intake.

Similarly, nocturia, the condition that leads to frequent urination at night, is expanding beyond older individuals, with younger people in their 20s and 30s also reporting symptoms. Initially more common among men over 70 due to prostate enlargement, lifestyle factors like unhealthy drinking habits and excessive screen time are now contributing to its prevalence across a wider age range. Nocturia can be a symptom of underlying health issues such as sleep apnoea, hypertension, and diabetes, suggesting the importance of managing fluid intake and adopting healthy habits for prevention and management.

With sleep awareness initiatives highlighting these conditions, there is a call to recognize and address these sleep-disrupting issues through both lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions. Not only do they affect sleep quality, but they also have the potential for long-term health implications if left unaddressed.