Region’s first-ever ‘Sleep Disorder Centre’ opens at Shifa

Islamabad
Sleep disorders, which are generally divided into breathing and neuro-psychiatric disorders, can have grave implications on a person’s physical and emotional health. Even though we spend one-third of our lives in a state of sleep, which demonstrates the importance of good sleep for healthy daytime activity, sleep disorders remain gravely under-recognised as a public health issue.
The virtual absence of a dedicated facility for handling patients with sleep disorders and the increasing incidence of diseases related to sleep deprivation motivated Shifa International Hospital to set up the region’s first Sleep Disorder Centre within its premises. Named Shifa Sleep Disorder Centre (SSDC), the facility was formally inaugurated by minister of state for health Saira Afzal Tarar here Tuesday in the presence of consultants, nurses, and officials.
Laced with modern equipment, and enjoying the services of experienced US-trained sleep consultantsand well-trained and courteous staff, SSDC is geared towards patient comfort, and accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders with pulmonologist and neurologist collaboration. The Centre offers a range of diagnostic services for detection of sleep-disordered breathing, movement disorders during sleep, sleep-related seizure disorders, cardiac rhythm problems during sleep, and narcolepsy.
Speaking as chief guest, Saira praised Shifa International Hospital for being the best tertiary care hospital in Islamabad. “You have all the facilities of an international standard needed to launch a much-needed Sleep Disorder Centre,” she stated, inviting sustained support for the neglected issue from other health experts as well.
Briefing the audience, the director of SSDC Dr. Sohail Naseem highlighted the value of good sleep for good health. “Sleep problems should not be taken lightly as their consequences can be dire. Timely diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent complications,” he maintained.
Responding to an observation about who should be screened for sleep disorders, D. Sohail said, in addition to obese patients and those with uncontrolled hypertension, patients with excessive daytime fatigue and sleepiness, those who experience loud snoring and choking at night, as well as commercial drivers and heavy machinery operators with unexplained accidents may all require screening.
Common sleep disorders, according to Dr. Sohail, include cessation of breathing due to upper airway or obesity obstruction (obstructive sleep apnea), cessation of breathing with lack of effort (central sleep apnea), disruptive/fragmented sleep due to snoring, nocturnal seizures, and movement disorders such as periodic limb movement disorder, and sleep walking.
Reflecting on the consequences of untreated sleep disorders, Dr. Sohail categorised these as medical, psychological, and social costs. The medical aspects include increased incidence of cardiovascular events, increased risk of strokes and Type II respiratory failure, uncontrolled hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. The psychological aspects may include excessive depression, anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, lack of concentration, and memory problems. From a societal perspective, sleep disorders can lead to increased motor vehicle accidents, loss of productivity, and marital problems, not to mention the increased cost of treatment.
Some of the common treatments for sleep disorders include weight loss, avoidance of alcohol and sedatives at bedtime, positional therapy, continuous positive airway pressure, and surgery. Dr. Sohail emphasised the value of public awareness for timely diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. “Most of these disorders can be successfully treated and complications can be avoided,” he stated.
Earlier, the director of medical services at Shifa International Hospital Dr. Mian Amjad Sohail said, SSDC will not only offer sleep disorder treatment but will also train individuals for the establishment of similar programmes across Pakistan in view of the high need for sleep-related specialists.