SLEEP DISORDERS

Every person needs 8 hours of sound sleep without the help of alcohol and sleeping pills to remain healthy. As per our pulomonologist and sleep disorder specialist Dr Kuldeep Kumar, "If a person is not able to get sound continuous sleep of 6-8 hours in the night and feels sleepy during the day, the condition is described as sleep disorder." Lack of proper sleep in the night makes you feel fatigued during the day. You may fall asleep while driving and may have other health problems.

Some common types of sleep disorders are :

Insomnia - People who find it difficult to sleep or wake up in the middle of the night

Sleep Apnea - People who experience abnormal breathing during sleep or lack of oxygen while sleeping

Restless Leg Syndrome- People who keep moving their legs when they try to sleep

Narcolepsy - People who feel drowsy during the day and doze off any time

SLEEP STUDY

Polysomnography or Sleep Study is a test which is done to diagnose most of the Sleep Disorders. This test is done with the help of a machine which has electrodes. These electrodes are connected to your head, temples, chest and legs. Pulse oxymeter is connected to one of your fingers. The test may be conducted at your home where you might be more comfortable in sleeping. The machine monitors the brain functions, eye movements, heart rate, breathing pattern etc. The technologist who is keeping an eye on you through a night video camera monitors the chest and abdominal movement, legs movement, snoring or other noises.

The report of sleep study will indicate the disorder which disturbs your sleep - disruption in the sleep stages between Non Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) stage and Rapid Eye Movement Stage (REM). Sleep Apnea may be diagnosed if there are changes in the Heart Rate or Blood Oxygen Levels during the sleep. Periodic Limb disorder may be diagnosed if there are frequent leg movements during the sleep. The report becomes available within 24 hours and then you can consult the pulmonologist or sleep disorder specialist for understanding the problem and commencement of the treatment.

BEST DOCTORS AND COST

Sleep Apnea can be overcome by reducing body weight and doing regular exercises. Other sleep disorders can be treated through medications and lifestyle modifications. Many people in India resort to alcohol to overcome sleep disorders. The quality of sleep induced by alcohol is never very good. Alcohol has many more health risks associated with it. Doing Yoga and meditation are also very good in order to overcome sleep disorders. However one must always consult an experienced pulmonologist or sleep disorder specialist for problems of sleep apnea, snoring and other sleep disorders like insomnia. Proper diagnosis will lead to correct treatment. There is no harm in practicing age old best Indian practices in consultation with your doctor. The cost of Sleep Study at Home would be Rs. 12,500 while the same test at the hospital would cost you Rs 20,000 which includes the cost of hospital bed also.

Dr. Kuldeep Kumar is available for consultation for all lung and sleep related problems at CK Birla Hospital from 11 am - 3 pm and at Miracles Mediclinic, Sector-14 from 5 pm - 6 pm in the evening for the patients who are still scared of going to big hospitsls.

Critical Care

Patient Room

CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon

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The Air Quality Index of North India is very bad at most times of the year. This air pollution is extremely dangerous for young children and senior citizens. Dr Kuldeep Kumar is talking about the ways to protect your lungs in such air.

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Watch this patient speaking about his severe chronic bronchitis and heart failure. The patient had come to Dr Kuldeep Kumar in a very bad condition. The patient was successfully managed through conservative treatment.