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Sleep Study & Sleep Apnoea –Related Disorders

Sleep study and sleep apnoea diagnosis by pulmonologist

Sleep Study & Sleep Apnoea evaluation plays a crucial role in diagnosing sleep-related breathing disorders that silently affect overall health. Many people ignore symptoms like loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or restless sleep—often assuming they are harmless. In reality, these may point to sleep apnoea, a serious but treatable condition.

At SRC Hospital, Dr. Puneet Aggarwal, Pulmonologist & Respiratory Specialist, offers accurate sleep studies and personalised treatment plans to help patients sleep better and live healthier.

What is a Sleep Study (Polysomnography)?

A sleep study, medically known as polysomnography, is a painless overnight test that records how your body behaves while you sleep. It monitors:

  • Breathing patterns

  • Oxygen levels

  • Heart rate

  • Brain activity

  • Body movements

  • Snoring episodes

This test helps identify breathing interruptions and other abnormalities that occur during sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds to over a minute and may happen dozens of times each night—often without the patient realizing it.

Common Types of Sleep Apnoea

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) – airway blockage during sleep

  • Central Sleep Apnoea – brain fails to send proper breathing signals

  • Complex Sleep Apnoea – combination of both

For additional patient-friendly medical information, you may also refer to the Mayo Clinic’s overview of sleep apnoea.

Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

You may need a sleep study and sleep apnoea evaluation if you experience:

  • Loud, chronic snoring

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Morning headaches

  • Poor concentration or memory

  • Waking up gasping or choking

  • Uncontrolled blood pressure

  • Fatigue despite adequate sleep

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health problems such as:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease and stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Increased accident risk due to daytime drowsiness

Early diagnosis through a sleep study helps prevent these complications.

Sleep apnoea can also worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, especially when left untreated.

How Is a Sleep Study Performed?

  1. Patient arrives in the evening or is set up for a home sleep study

  2. Sensors are attached painlessly

  3. Patient sleeps normally overnight

  4. Data is recorded and analysed

  5. Results are reviewed by the pulmonologist

The test is safe, non-invasive, and comfortable.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea

Treatment depends on the severity and cause, and may include:

  • CPAP/BiPAP therapy

  • Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, sleep position)

  • Oral appliances

  • Management of nasal or airway conditions

  • Treatment of associated lung or heart disorders

Dr. Puneet Aggarwal provides individualised treatment, not one-size-fits-all solutions.

Who Should Consider a Sleep Study?

  • Habitual snorers

  • Overweight individuals

  • Patients with diabetes or hypertension

  • People with unexplained fatigue

  • Those with disturbed sleep patterns

If sleep is not refreshing, it’s a signal worth checking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a sleep study painful?

No. A sleep study is completely painless and non-invasive.

Can sleep apnoea be cured?

While it may not always be “cured,” it can be very effectively managed with proper treatment.

Is snoring always sleep apnoea?

Not always, but loud, chronic snoring is a common warning sign.

How long does a sleep study take?

Usually one full night.

Book a Sleep Evaluation

If you or a loved one experiences poor sleep quality, excessive tiredness, or loud snoring, don’t ignore it.

👨‍⚕️ Consult Dr. Puneet Aggarwal
Pulmonologist & Respiratory Medicine Specialist
📍 SRC Hospital
📞 Call: +91-9355118687
🌐 Website: srchospitals.com

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