Sleep Medicine in India

Sleep medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of sleep disorders. A physician who specializes in sleep medicine is called a sleep medicine specialist and they have trained in internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, or neurology during residency. They are qualified to assist patients who suffer from conditions or disorders that affect sleep. They deal with a wide range of diseases and conditions, including:

• Insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep throughout the night.
• Parasomnia, such as sleepwalking.
• Sleep apnea and snoring, which is a condition when a person experiences abnormal patterns of breathing when they are asleep.
• Restless legs syndrome, which is an uncontrollable urge to move your legs that keep you awake.
• Narcolepsy, which is a condition that causes people to suddenly fall asleep during the day.
• Teeth grinding or sleep bruxism.
• Nightmares.
• Circadian rhythm disorder, which is a problem with the circadian rhythm or the “internal body clock” that keeps the body’s biological processes in step.
• Hypersomnia, which is excessive sleepiness at inappropriate times. 
• Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which is a condition where a patient physically acts out vivid dreams with sudden arm and leg movements, as well as with vocal sounds.

In order to diagnose and treat these sleep-related disorders, sleep medicine specialists can perform a wide variety of procedures. Some of the most common include, but are not limited to:

• Actigraphy
• Polysomnography (sleep study)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Sleep apnea tests
• Non-invasive ventilation
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy evaluation
• Overnight oximetry test
• Oral appliance therapy
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Sleep medicine specialists can also prescribe medications and refer patients to other specialists as required, such as to a physical therapist to help open the airway so patients can breathe better.

How Long Should I Stay in India?

The length of stay depends on the specific procedure you underwent. It is advisable to stay in India for at least 5 to 7 days. However, for some types of treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, you may need to stay longer as the treatment usually requires more than one session.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Since the treatment plan can be different from one person to another, recovery time varies widely. In most cases, the procedure itself does not require any recovery time. You should be able to resume your normal activity almost immediately, as long as you do not experience symptoms that prevent you from performing your day to day activity. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to care for yourself at home. Follow all instructions from your doctor as it will speed up your recovery and avoid complications. In most cases, your doctor may tell you to change your lifestyle, such as improve your diet and establish a regular sleep schedule.

What's the Success Rate?

Sleep medicine is always evolving. With continuous research, specialists now have a better and broader understanding of sleep and its disorders. Innovative technology and new approaches are being implemented on many levels, enabling sleep medicine specialists to diagnose and treat difficult sleep disorders more efficiently. This has increased the success rate of sleep medicine procedures.

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to sleep medicine, but your doctor may refer you to a relevant specialist if your condition is found to be caused by something else unrelated to the field. In certain cases, you may undergo acupuncture, meditation, or hypnotherapy as the alternative, but make sure to consult with your doctor first.

Sleep Medicine in and around India

About India

As the largest country in South Asia and the seventh-largest in the world, India is home to over one billion inhabitants. This extremely diverse country boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and with its 38 JCI accredited facilities, it’s considered a prime destination for Medical Tourism. India welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Sleep Medicine procedures. Its low-cost medical procedures draw tourists from all over the world, particularly Western and Middle Eastern countries. Highly specialized doctors speak English and the vast majority are trained in the UK or the US, with heart surgery procedures being especially common in India. Local accreditation bodies include the Indian Healthcare Federation, the Indian Medical Tourism Council, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Popular Parts of India

Home to around 1.3 billion people, India is the second-most populous country in the world, with its multi-ethnic society, spiritual beliefs, architecture, and diverse wildlife.

• Delhi is brimming with colorful modern life and is steeped in history. It is known to have the best food in the world such as Mughalai curries and chaat (vegetarian street food). Visit the Red Fort and witness the fascinating structure influenced by Islamic, Hindu, Persian, and Timurid traditions.
• Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India. Home to Bollywood, India’s film industry, the city has a lot to offer. Stroll around the Gateway of India, shop in Colaba Causeway, watch the sunset in Marine drive, or visit Siddhivinayak Temple and learn about its cultural history.
• Kolkata (Calcutta) was once the capital city of India. It is a perfect blend of the past and the present. The city has charming colonial-era architecture, dynamic suburbs, and the amazing Bengali cuisine. Tourists can discover the creativity of Kurmatuli Idol-makers and visit the incredible Victoria Memorial.
• Jaipur is known as “The Pink City,” it is chaotic, vibrant, and historical.  The city, along with Delhi and Agra, is a part of the Golden Triangle that contains the biggest attractions in India. There are many beautiful buildings inside this city, but the most visited one is the Amer/Amber Fort that dates back to Raja Man Singh. It is a World Heritage Site and it offers amazing views of the city.
• Agra is where the magical Taj Mahal stands. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is as astounding as people describe it to be. Mehtab Bagh is another must-visit attraction; it offers the most scenic spot in the city and located just across the river from the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, located northwest of the Taj, is one of India’s most historic structures.

Weather and Climate in India

There are four climatological seasons in India.

• Summer or pre-monsoon season starts in March and ends in May. April or May is the hottest month. The average temperature is around 23 to 42 °C.  
• Monsoon or rainy season lasts for three months from June to September. The season is usually humid and rainy. South India usually receives more rainfall.
• The post-monsoon or autumn season starts from October to November. The sky is usually cloudless.
• Winter occurs from December to February. December and January are the coldest months in the country with an average temperature of 10 to 15 °C and climb steadily from February. This is the peak season for tourism.

The best time to visit India is in the month of March or October when the weather is warm and sunny.

Getting Around in India

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in the country and is located in Delhi. The airport serves domestic and international flights. It connects the city with almost every country around the world and serves budget airlines such as Air Asia India, Go Air, and IndiGo. There are three other main international airports in Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

The most affordable way to travel around the city is by bus although it can be very crowded. Buses are very reliable and fast. Airport taxis are available as a quick, easy, and hassle-free transportation mode especially for tourists who carry big baggage.

The best way to get around India is by train. Trains are everywhere and quite affordable with many different classes. The most popular class for travel is the Sleeper Class. It is best to purchase train tickets online.

Buses are a nice option for short-distance travel. Some of the buses can be very uncomfortable but there are luxury buses with air conditioning. Tourists can purchase tickets online, in the station, or even on the buses.

Taxis are relatively affordable, but tourists have to bargain. Tourists can ask the taxi driver to use the meter but the drivers will usually say it’s broken. It is advised to ask your hotel or hostel how much a taxi should cost before getting in one to avoid getting ripped off by taxi drivers. Rickshaws (Tuck-Tuks) are cheaper than taxis, but you also have to bargain. Hiring a car is not recommended due to the lack of respect for traffic laws and the chaos on the roads. Uber is available.

Tourist Visas in India

All visitors need to obtain and apply for a visa to enter India, except the citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Visa on Arrival is available for citizens of Japan and South Korea. The country provides an online visa application. e-Visa is available for 150 nationalities and valid for  60 days. It is a double-entry visa. There is also a six-month tourist visa for longer trips.

Passport must be valid for at least 180 days after your entry to India and should have at least two blank pages.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency is the Indian rupee (INR). 1 USD is equivalent to 70 INR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available. Currencies such as US dollars, euros, and pounds sterling are easy to change throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some shops, restaurants, and hotels. Always carry cash because many places still accept cash only. Service fees are sometimes added to the bills automatically in restaurants if it’ 10% tip is reasonable. Taxis and rickshaws do not expect a tip but it is good to tip drivers who are honest.
3. Local Language: There are many languages spoken in India including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, and Punjabi. English is understood by many people especially those in the tourism area and major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: India is very diverse and multicultural. Hinduism is the largest religion with 79.8% of the population practicing the religion. Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and other religions are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: India celebrates several major religious holidays. The country has numerous annual festivals such as Holi, Ganesh Festival, Diwali, and Onam.