Special Focus on Sleep Apnea and Public Awareness
Nagpur: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur has launched a state-of-the-art Sleep Lab to diagnose and treat various sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea. The facility, inaugurated by Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, is expected to benefit thousands of patients suffering from sleep-related health issues.
Addressing the Growing Burden of Sleep Disorders
Dr. Joshi emphasized that sleep disorders are often overlooked but can significantly impact overall health. “This Sleep Lab will enable early diagnosis and timely intervention, helping patients improve their quality of life and prevent serious complications,” he said.
He further added that AIIMS Nagpur’s new facility will provide advanced sleep diagnostics, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Sleep Studies
The Sleep Lab, under the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, is led by Associate Professor Dr. Sryma PB. It will conduct polysomnography (sleep studies)—an overnight, non-invasive test that monitors brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs. This test is essential for detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep disorders.
Prevalence and Risks of Sleep Apnea
Studies estimate that around 11% of Indian adults (104 million people) suffer from OSA, a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic fatigue.
Dr. Sryma PB pointed out common misconceptions about sleep health, stating, “Many Indians mistakenly associate snoring with good sleep, when in reality, it can be a sign of serious sleep disorders. With the launch of this lab, we aim to bridge this knowledge gap and offer timely interventions to patients.”
Comprehensive Sleep Disorder Diagnosis
The newly launched Sleep Lab will diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including:
- Sleep Apnea: A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Restless Leg Syndrome: Uncontrollable leg movements that disrupt sleep.
- Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep attacks during the day.
With the increasing prevalence of **obesity—a major risk factor for sleep apnea—**this facility will play a crucial role in improving sleep health awareness and access to specialized testing in India.
