SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep Study

Sleep study is a comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders. The medical term for sleep study is polysomnography. It is a non-invasive exam that records your brain waves, oxygen level in your blood, heart rate and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during the study.

A sleep study helps in the diagnosis of various sleep disorders like sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and nighttime behaviors like sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder. An overnight stay at a sleep unit is required to conduct the test. While you are asleep your sleep stages and cycles are monitored to identify your sleep patterns and disruptions. An ENT doctor takes into consideration your symptoms and uses sleep study as an integral part of investigation into whether you face disrupted sleep.

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In simple terms, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when a person’s breathing stops during sleep because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.

OSA is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It usually starts with snoring, when the air can’t flow easily through the mouth or nose. During OSA the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much to allow normal breathing, causing the airway to narrow or close hampering the breathing for 10 seconds or more. This causes the oxygen levels in the body to fall. The brain recognizes that it is not getting enough oxygen and rouses the person from sleep so that you can reopen the airway.

Such episodes can occur 5 to 30 times or more every hour all night long. These disruptions impair your ability to reach deep, restful sleep phases. Sleep apnea occurs in about 25% of men and nearly 10% of women. It can occur at any age but people over 50 and overweight people are more susceptible. If left untreated, OSA can result in hypertension, stroke, diabetes etc. An ENT specialist will do a physical examination of the back of the throat, mouth and nose for extra tissue or abnormalities, note your symptoms and advise an appropriate course of action. Lifestyle changes, mechanical therapy, surgery are some of the ways of managing OSA.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?

A1: Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

Q2: How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

A2: Obstructive sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. This test monitors various physiological parameters during sleep to identify disruptions in breathing and sleep patterns.

Q3: Can sleep apnea affect children, or is it primarily an adult condition?

A3: Sleep apnea can affect individuals of all ages, including children. However, it is more common in adults, especially those who are overweight.

Q4: What lifestyle changes can help manage sleep apnea?

A4: Lifestyle changes can include weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. These changes can sometimes alleviate mild cases of sleep apnea.

Q5: What are some mechanical therapies for sleep apnea?

A5: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common mechanical treatment for sleep apnea. It involves using a machine to deliver a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.

Q6: Are there any surgical options for treating obstructive sleep apnea?

A6: Yes, there are surgical procedures to treat sleep apnea, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). These surgeries aim to remove excess tissue or reposition the jaw to improve airflow.

Q7: What are the potential health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea?

A7: Untreated sleep apnea can lead to various health issues, including hypertension, cardiovascular problems, stroke, diabetes, and an increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.

Q8: Can lifestyle changes alone effectively manage sleep apnea, or is treatment typically necessary?

A8: The effectiveness of lifestyle changes in managing sleep apnea varies from person to person. In some cases, mild sleep apnea can be improved with lifestyle changes, but moderate to severe cases often require medical treatment, such as CPAP therapy or surgery, for effective management.

Dr. Atul Kumar Mittal

Speciality:   Otorhinolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat)
Experience:   33+ years of experience
Hospital:   Fortis Memorial Research Institute,Gurgaon,Delhi NCR

About Doctor:

Atul Mittal is an eminent E.N.T. Specialist, with a sound experience of 25 years of practice and surgical proficiency.
He is the Director of ENT at Fortis Memorial Research Institute,Gurugaon, with his efficacious leadership skills.
He has successfully managed his practice and staff in providing patients with quality care. Read More

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Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI)

Number of beds: 1000
ICU Beds: 298
Airport Distance: 17 KMs

About Hospital:

Fortis Memorial Research Institute was established in 2001.
It is an outstanding multi-speciality quaternary care hospital,having the top-notch infrastructure, advanced equipment, highly qualified and experienced medical professionals and super sub-specialists.
Fortis Hosptial Gurgaon is an advanced centre of excellence in Robotic Surgery, Neurosciences, Oncology, Renal Sciences, BMT, Organ Transplants, Orthopaedics, Cardiac Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Read More

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