Lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems. But most of the common sleep disorders can be easily treated
ISLAMABAD – Good sleep is a blessing and vital for good health. The lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems. If you feel like you are sleeping plenty of hours, but still not feeling well rested, you may have a sleep disorder.
Keeping in mind the severity of this issue, Shifa International Hospital has opened first state of the art Sleep Disorder Center in the region. The center offers state of the art equipment, highly trained and experienced consultants and staff. It is geared towards patient comfort, and accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Ms. Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, formally inaugurated the health center.
During a media briefing, Ms. Saira appreciated the efforts of Shifa International Hospital to launch a much-needed sleep disorder clinic. She urged sustained support and cooperation from other health experts for the cause.
Director Sleep Disorder Center, Dr. Sohail Naseem said that we all spend one-third of our lives in a state of sleep which highlights the importance of good sleep for healthy daytime activity. “Sleep disorders are still under-recognized among many of the doctor community as well as general public, though it is a serious public issue” he said adding that sleep disorder can generally be divided into breathing disorders and neuro psychiatric disorders.
Lack of sleep can lead to many medical issues including hypertension, heart problems such as heart attack, abnormal cardiac rhythm, increased incidence of strokes, kidney problems and type two diabetes. It can also lead to psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, memory problems, suicidal ideations, and severe lack of concentration.
Among sleep-related breathing disorders, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common affecting general public, patients usually presenting with complaints of daytime sleepiness, excessive fatigue, with history of loud snoring, choking and breathing irregularities during sleep.
Obesity is one of the major factor leading to breathing problems during sleep whereas neuro psychiatric disorders include insomnia (lack of sleep), varied parasomnia, sleep related seizure disorders, narcolepsy (excessive sleep), he stated.
“Public awareness is very important for timely diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders as most of the sleep disorders can be successfully treated and complications can be avoided” Dr. Sohail informed.
Director Medical Services Dr. Mian Amjad Sohail, said Shifa’s Sleep Disorder Center will not only offer sleep disorder treatment but will also train individuals within the country to help establish similar programs across Pakistan in view of the high needs of sleep-related specialists. He said Shifa has always strived to provide seamless care to the patients with over 200 qualified consultants in more than 30 specialties.