'Set up more sleep clinics'

With one out of every 20 Indians suffering from sleep disorders, setting up more sleep clinics and comprehensive treatment facilities is imperative, feels a US-based Indian sleep disorder specialist.

"Patients need a comprehensive sleep disorder clinic where their problems can be addressed. Also you need to have specialists who can look after their issues. Sleep disorder is a broad term and there is a range of problems," said Noel Wheeler at a talk organised by the Mercy Hospital here.

Wheeler, attached to the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital located in Dover, New Hampshire, highlighted the menace of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - a type of sleep disorder that results from obstructed upper airways in the human body.

"OSA has been identified as an independent risk factor for hypertension. And research has linked it with weight gain. In fact, snoring and OSA are risk factors for diabetes mellitus," explained Wheeler.

Though studies are being carried out in the country, sleep disorders are not recognised as a clinical condition - unlike in America where there are specialists and gamut of treatment options.

"More is yet to come (in India)... there is a need to track data... surveys and how it affects economy and social life," said Wheeler.

In order to keep pace with the hectic lifestyle, power naps and giving attention to sleep hygiene is necessary, the specialist added.