Lucknow: On the occasion of World Sleep Day 2026, the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (Dr. RMLIMS), Lucknow, organized a CME-cum-Hands-on Workshop on “Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Polysomnography” to enhance awareness and clinical expertise in sleep medicine. The programme was conducted under the aegis of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) – UP Chapter, Indian Chest Society (ICS) – UP Chapter, and the Snoring and Sleep Related Breathing Disorders Society (SSDS).
The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) C.M. Singh, Director, Dr. RMLIMS, who attended as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the strong association between obesity and sleep apnoea, stating that 70–80% of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea are obese and up to 90% of obese individuals may have OSA, yet the disease often remains undiagnosed due to lack of awareness. He congratulated the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. RMLIMS for organizing the academic programme.
Padmashri Prof Rajendra Prasad and Prof. Surya Kant, Head of Respiratory Medicine at KGMU, attended as Guests of Honour. Prof Prasad described the Indian scenario of Sleep apnea and stressed that while the incidence and prevalence of the disease has grown so much over last 2 decades public awareness is still low. Prof Suryakant emphasized that loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and breathing pauses during sleep are important warning signs of obstructive sleep apnoea, and early diagnosis can prevent serious complications such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
The programme began with a welcome address and introductory lecture by Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Verma, Head of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. RMLIMS who highlighted that Sleep health is now recognized as a key pillar of cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Dr. Vibha Gangwar discussed the importance of sleep for overall health. Dr. Anil Kumar Singh (Chandan Hospital, Lucknow) explained how to diagnose sleep apnoea and interpret sleep study reports. Dr. Hemant Kumar (Dr. RMLIMS) highlighted the role of PAP therapy and medicines in treatment. Dr. Ashish Jha (Cardiology, Dr. RMLIMS) described the impact of sleep apnoea on heart disease and other systemic illnesses. Prof. Sarika Gupta (KGMU) emphasized that snoring in children should not be ignored as sleep apnoea can also occur in pediatric patients. Dr. Devendra Chopra (Prosthodontics, Saraswati Dental College) discussed the role of dental devices and selected surgical interventions in sleep apnoea management.
The programme also featured eminent faculty including Prof. K. B. Gupta (Ex-Head, Respiratory Medicine, PGI Rohtak), Prof. Ved Prakash (Head, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, KGMU), Prof. Shweta Kanchan (Hind Institute of Medical Sciences), Dr. Jyoti Bajpai (KGMU), and Dr. Vipul Prakash (Medanta Hospital, Lucknow).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Hemant Kumar, Organizing Secretary.
Hands-on workshop training was conducted by Dr. Mrityunjaya Singh, Dr. Pulkit Gupta and Dr. Sulakshana Gautam from Dr. RMLIMS, along with Dr. Mohammad Arif, Dr. Anurag Tripathi, Dr. Richa Tyagi, Dr. Deepak Sharma and Dr. Shubhra Srivastava from KGMU, who trained participants in sleep report scoring, interpretation of polysomnography, and the practical use of PAP devices for the treatment of sleep apnoea.
The organizing team also included Dr. Sagar Jain, Dr. Aman Saxena, Dr. Kamal Verma, Dr. Sashwat Kesarwani, Dr. Dileep and Dr. Salabh, along with other members of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. The workshop featured interactive lectures and practical demonstrations aimed at improving the diagnosis and management of sleep-related breathing disorders.
