Men in their 40s and 50s must take extra care of their health. For many Indian men fatigue, snoring and stress are often ignored as inevitable signs of ageing. But experts caution that these symptoms could be early indicators of deeper, chronic health conditions and ignoring them could prove costly.

“Men at this age are usually juggling demanding jobs, ageing parents, and children, often sidelining their own health in the process,” says Dr. Sandeep Sonawane, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai. “But common symptoms like poor sleep, loud snoring, or chronic stress should not be overlooked. They could be signs of more serious underlying conditions,” he further added.

1. Sleep isn’t a luxury, It’s a lifeline

Disrupted sleep is one of the most common complaints among middle-aged men, often attributed to work pressure or long screen time. But Dr. Sonawane warns this could mask undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

“Men who snore loudly, wake up tired, or feel drowsy during the day despite sleeping 7–8 hours should be evaluated for OSA,” he explains. “It’s not just a sleep disorder—it’s linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and even heart attacks.”

Doctors now urge sleep assessments to become a routine part of midlife health checkups, especially when accompanied by fatigue, mood changes, or memory issues.

2. Snoring may be a red flag

While snoring is often joked about, loud and irregular snoring could point to a more dangerous condition. In cases of sleep apnea, breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, putting immense strain on the heart and brain.

“Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications like arrhythmias, heart failure, and reduced cognitive function,” says Dr. Sonawane. “It affects not only physical health but also mental well-being and quality of life,” he further added.

A proper clinical assessment followed by a sleep study can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include CPAP machines, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, minor surgical interventions.

3. Burden of stress

Midlife stress tends to build silently. Whether it’s job uncertainty, financial pressure, or personal loss, the toll it takes on men’s health is often underestimated.

“Chronic stress can trigger everything from high blood pressure and weight gain to poor immunity and even digestive problems,” says Dr. Sonawane. “Worse still, many men cope by smoking, drinking, or binge eating, which only worsens their condition,” he said.

Dr. Sonawane recommends daily physical activity, mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation, and, if necessary, seeking therapy or counselling. “Mental health is just as important as physical health,” he adds.

4. Routine check-ups can be life-saving

Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are common in midlife, but they often go unnoticed until complications arise.

“Regular health screenings can catch these conditions early,” says Dr. Sonawane. “Simple blood tests and a few lifestyle tweaks can prevent major health crises down the road,” he further explains.

Unfortunately, many men only seek medical help when symptoms become severe or disruptive. “Don’t wait for a crisis. A preventive approach now can give you 20 more years of quality life later,” he advises.

From sleep quality to mental health and routine screenings, being proactive can make all the difference. Because what seems like “normal ageing” might just be your body’s early cry for help.