Second opinion

Reader queries on sleep disorders

Reader queries on sleep disorders:


I am an IT professional and have to sit in front of my system the entire day. My efficiency depends on how active I am. For the past one year, I feel tired and sleepy while working. I also snore at night. Is there a possibility that I may be suffering from sleep apnea?
With a history of snoring and daytime tiredness, it is likely you are suffering with sleep apnea or some other sleep disorder. This has to be diagnosed by overnight sleep study which will measure the severity of the condition. This study can be done on any weekday since the patient comes at night after dinner and goes back by 7-7.30am.

I have been sleeping while driving. Am I at risk?
You are definitely at risk. It's an indicator of poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation. Overnight sleep study can diagnose the disease.

I have been recommended a sleep apnea test by Medanta Hospital. Do any other hospitals too conduct sleep tests?
Sleep studies are done at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital also do these tests for free.

I have been snoring loudly for the past 25 years. I am a heart patient and underwent bypass surgery in 1992. I am 71 years old. I am not getting enough sleep at night and feel sleepy during the day while talking to someone or watching TV. I regularly consume medicines such as Beta Lock 50 and Ecosprin.
You may be suffering from a significant degree of obstructive sleep apnea. This may have contributed to your heart ailment. The problem can be fully treated. This will also improve the daytime quality of your life. You will have to undergo overnight sleep study for evaluation and management of the disorder.

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The queries have been answered by Dr Sanjay Manchanda, senior consultant, sleep medicine at Sir Gangaram Hospital.

(Patients' names have been withheld for privacy reasons)