AIIMS Nagpur Launches State-of-the-Art Sleep Lab
Dr. Prashant P. Joshi
Nagpur: In a move aimed at improving healthcare, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur has unveiled a cutting-edge Sleep Lab, designed to diagnose and treat various sleep disorders, with a special focus on sleep apnea
Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, inaugurated this state-of-the-art facility, which is set to help thousands of patients dealing with various sleep-related health issues.
Dr. Joshi emphasized the growing importance of addressing sleep disorders, which are often overlooked but have a profound impact on overall health.
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He added that by providing access to advanced sleep diagnostics, AIIMS Nagpur ensures that people no longer have to travel long distances for proper diagnosis. This initiative will not only help treat patients but also educate the public about the health risks associated with sleep disorders.
The Sleep Lab, operated under the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and led by Associate Professor Dr. Sryma PB, will conduct polysomnography (sleep studies). This overnight, non-invasive test monitors brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs to detect disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a prevalent and potentially dangerous condition.
Studies estimate that around 11% of Indian adults — approximately 104 million people — suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If left untreated, OSA can lead to severe complications such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic fatigue, which severely impacts daily productivity, mental health, and overall quality of life.
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Speaking to TOI, Dr Sryma PB said, "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."
The rising prevalence of obesity, which is a major risk factor for sleep apnea, makes this facility even more critical in India. However, due to a lack of awareness and limited access to specialized testing, many sleep disorders remain undiagnosed, leaving individuals to suffer without treatment.
The newly inaugurated Sleep Lab will be equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep; insomnia, which involves difficulty falling or staying asleep; restless leg syndrome, characterized by uncontrollable leg movements at night; and narcolepsy, a condition causing sudden sleep attacks during the day.
