The Times of India reports on the increase in obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis in the city of Chennai, an especially alarming trend, it notes, due to the young age of some of the sufferers.

Siddharth, a class topper, suddenly began slacking in his studies in Class 12. He dozed off during classes, even after sleeping for several hours at night. As the final exams approached, his worried parents took him to a sleep specialist. Tests revealed that Siddharth was suffering from sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that prevents a person from getting deep sleep.

According to ENT specialists in the city, there has been a three-fold increase in sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, in the city over the past 10 years.