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.