Sleep lab at GGH, Guntur, is a dream come true

Vijayawada: The sleep lab at the GGH, Guntur, the state’s first and only such facility in government-run hospitals, is a boon for the sleep-deprived.

There has been quite impressive response to the lab, with the number of patients suffering from sleep disorders increasing. The lab is helping such patients get proper treatment.

Head of neurology department, GGH, Prof. N. Sundarachary said that this is the first of its kind sleep lab in government hospitals in the state. He said that nearly 50 patients were treated at the sleep lab for sleeping disorders last year. Prof. Sundarachary said that the sleep lab helps them diagnose the cause of sleeping disorders.

“The rising incidences among the present generations of sleep disorders are a cause for concern.

Increasing work pressure, psychological burdens like stress is visible among people across various age groups. Apart from this, overnight studying or working, excessive use of gadgets, alcohol and tobacco consumption, gastric irritation are some of the causes observed among patients on whom sleep studies were conducted,” Prof. Sundarachary said. 

He said that it was important to note that only one patient can be tested overnight.

The test results are analysed to identify events of abnormality by keeping track of Rapid Eye Movement, movement of the legs during sleep, abnormalities in the brain or heart activity, breathing difficulties and blood oxygen level variations.

Dr Sundarachary said that if sleep issues are due to psychological reasons, counselling is also being offered to patients in a phased manner.

Awareness is being created among patients suffering from sleep disorders due to alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Prof. Sundarachary said that the sleep lab was sponsored by the NATCO Trust and urged those who suffer from sleep disorders to make good use of its services.

Outpatient services at the sleep lab are available every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.