Need more sleep labs in government hospitals, say doctors

Chennai

Stressing on the need for the government to set up more laboratories exclusively for this condition, the official said, “The biggest misconception that people have is that snoring means having a good, satisfying sleep. Looking into this problem is highly essential and hence there is a great need for such laboratories.”

While there are sleep laboratories in the Madras Medical College (MMC), Kilpauk Medical College and Stanley Medical College and Hospital, the lab at MMC is not fully equipped.

“We have a laboratory, but it works under the ENT Department,” said Dr R Jayanthi, Dean of the hospital.

Stating that the laboratory at Stanley Hospital sees an average of two to three cases a week, Dr S Muthuchitra, Head of the ENT Department, said, “More sleep laboratories in government hospitals is the need of the hour.”

From obesity and hormonal issues to cardiac problems and structural abnormalities of the ear, nose and throat, the causes for sleep apnoea among people are varied. “We have to conduct multiple investigations for which we have to put the patients through sleep studies,” she added.

As the treatment is expensive (between Rs 3 and Rs 4 lakh) in private centres, she said there is a huge need for these labs in the government hospitals where treatment is provided free.