Clinical and Polysomnographic observations of 250 cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is presented. Apart from snoring and daytime sleepiness, unable to sleep well, early morning headache and nocturia were noted as presenting complaints. Musical snoring was also observed. Mild snoring and nocturia were seen in elderly subjects. Nocturnal observations included somniloquy, bruxism rolling on the bed while sleeping, jerking in sleep, nocturnal eating, excessive dreams. Deficient Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep (less than 15%) was common. Fast eating was prominent in subjects who had deficient REM sleep (significant correlation). The majority of the patients were obese but lean patients with BMI <24.9 were also observed were also affected. Macroglossia was common. Only 6.0 % had Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) less than 10. Consumption of tea and usage of tobacco were present in these subjects. Women patients used a special tobacco paste ( Meisheri) which was rubbed on the gums in the morning to avoid daytime sleepiness. There is poor awareness of sleep disorders and their consequences, particularly OSA, in the society and also among medical professionals.

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