Don’t ignore snoring: SSG starts sleep apnoea clinic

SLUG: World Sleep DayVadodara: Snoring may appear harmless, but doctors warn it could be a sign of a serious sleep disorder. To strengthen diagnosis and treatment, the state-run Sir Sayajirao General Hospital in Vadodara has launched a dedicated clinic for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and installed a new polysomnography machine for advanced sleep studies.Doctors said the common belief that "loud snoring means sound sleep" is a dangerous myth, as persistent snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea.OSA is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blockage of the airway, reducing oxygen supply to the brain and body. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications."Many people think loud snoring simply means deep sleep, but that is a misconception. Persistent snoring may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea, which can lead to complications such as heart disease, hypertension and stroke if left untreated," said Dr Ranjan Aiyer, medical superintendent of SSG Hospital.Studies suggest that untreated OSA is linked to a 12–16% higher prevalence of heart failure and an increased risk of stroke and irregular heart rhythms. It is also closely associated with metabolic disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Doctors added that excessive daytime sleepiness caused by sleep apnoea can significantly increase the risk of road accidents.Recent estimates indicate that nearly 104 million Indians of working age may suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea. In Gujarat, more than 50 lakh people may be affected by snoring or sleep apnoea, while Vadodara alone could have over two lakh such patients. However, nearly 80–90% of cases remain undiagnosed due to low awareness and a lack of diagnostic facilities.The ENT department at SSG Hospital has already conducted more than 100 sleep studies. Around 25 patients have undergone drug-induced sleep endoscopy, and surgeries were performed in about 16 cases.With the new polysomnography equipment, doctors expect more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of sleep disorders. The hospital will run a weekly snoring and sleep apnoea clinic every Friday from 3.30pm to 5pm at ENT OPD-15.Dr Aiyer added that the hospital is also exploring CSR funding to establish a world-class sleep study laboratory, which currently does not exist in any public healthcare facility in Gujarat.