Sleep Disorders

Some of the major conditions that are treated under the Sleep Disorder Unit include:

• Insomnia

• Narcolepsy

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

• Sleep Deprivation

• Sleepwalking (Parasomnia)

• Sleep Disordered Breathing and Snoring

• Sleep Movement Disorders

• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (Circadian rhythm sleep disorders)

• Excessive Sleepiness Idiopathic Hypersomnia (Daytime sleepiness)

Patients who experience sleep disorder or any one of the conditions below are the right candidate for the treatment.

• Snoring

• Excessive sleepiness during the day

• Morning headaches

• Not waking up fresh

• Suspected fits at night

• Unspecified sleep problems

• Difficulty initiating sleep or staying asleep

• Sleep Apnoea

• The uncontrollable urge to sleep (associated with vivid dreams, muscle weakness, etc.)

• Abnormal limb movements during sleep (most often kicking off the lower legs or feet)

• Abnormal behavior during sleep (flailing limbs, yelling, large movement, etc.)

• Memory or concentration difficulties during the day

• Diagnosed with congestive heart failure

• Sleep pattern problems (such as shift work disorder or regular overseas travel)

The patient has to go through a pre-procedure evaluation including consultation with ENT to ascertain any local pathology. The Sleep Study is performed in two stages- the first stage is diagnostic which involves confirmation of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in the patient. Subsequent to confirmation of OSA in patient, the second stageis planned wherein titration is performed with CPAP / BiPAP. This helps in identifying whether patient will be benefitted with CPAP / BiPAP and what pressure setting is required to get optimum results. Detailed report of the sleep study is furnished after 24 hours of sleep study.

Instructions for Sleep Study

• Diagnostic Polysomnography is done to diagnose sleep disorder breathing like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Central Apnoea, RERA etc.

• Titration study with CPAP / BiPAP is done in patients who are diagnosed with sleep disorder

• Split night study i.e. PSG with CPAP titration may be done depending on the history and the certainty of particular diagnosis

• Patient should come for the study after taking dinner, routine medications except sleeping pills or any form of sedatives / anti allergic medications.

• Patient should bring night clothes in which he / she is comfortable during sleep study

• Patient will be received by the technician whose number will be provided before the study

• No attendant will be allowed to stay in sleep lab during sleep study.

• Male patient should shave his beard on the day of sleep study.

• Avoid usage of cream or lubrication on face.

• Headgear such as turban / pagdi have to be removed before the sleep study

• Hair should be washed with shampoo and no hair oil should be applied on the day of sleep study

• Patient will be relieved in the morning after completion of study

• Report can be collected after a day from the respiratory OPD

Some of the major procedures used to treat sleep disorders include:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common universally effective treatment for sleep apnoea. The process involves the use of a CPAP pump to prevent repetitive upper airway collapse. It applies a continuous flow of air to the airway and creates an air cushion in the throat in order to ensure normal respiration.

• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) - MSLT is also known as day nap study wherein tests are performed to assess daytime sleepiness. The test examines how quickly a patient falls asleep during daytime in a quiet environment. MSLT is the standard tool used to diagnose idiopathic hypersomnia and narcolepsy.

• Maintenance Of Wakefulness Testing (MWT) - The tests are done on a patient to determine the patient's ability to stay awake during the day. The tests indicate how well a patient is able to stay alert during daytime in a quiet environment.

• Overnight Diagnostic Polysomnogram (PSG) Or Sleep Study - It is one of the most common types of sleep studies. It records various data during the study which include:

  • Brain waves

  • Oxygen level in the blood

  • Heart rate

  • Breathing

  • Eye and leg movements

The test result is known as polysomnogram and is primarily used to diagnose sleep apnoea, parasomnia and other sleeping disorders.

The major categories of sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and parasomnias (such as sleepwalking and night terrors).

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and functioning.

Lack of sleep can lead to mood disturbances, impaired cognition, weakened immune system, and increased risk of health issues like heart disease and obesity.

If you have a sleep disorder, you can expect symptoms like difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and potential health and quality of life issues. Treatment options are available to help manage these conditions.