Status of the practice of sleep medicine in India during the COVID-19 pandemic

Study Objectives: Like other medical branches, the practice of sleep medicine has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the actual impact is not known. This study was planned to assess the status of the practice of sleep medicine in India during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Methods: This was an online questionnaire-based descriptive study. A 25-item questionnaire was developed to assess the functioning of sleep laboratories, use of telemedicine, and positive airway pressure therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The questionnaire was sent to the sleep physicians of 2 major sleep medicine societies of India. Responses were analyzed. Results: In this study, the response rate was 64.6%. During this pandemic, 72% of physicians reported that they had closed sleep laboratory, whereas 24% reported shifting to home sleep apnea testing. Only half of the sleep physicians confirmed awareness of the disinfection guidelines proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to prevent COVID-19 infection in the sleep laboratory. However, almost all of them reported taking preventive measures like the use of protective gear. Sixty-one percent of physicians advised mitigating strategies as a temporary measure to their patients of obstructive sleep apnea. A total of 58.6% opined that auto-positive airway pressure might be used for uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea without diagnostic polysomnography during the pandemic. Eighty-four percent of physicians reported that they were continuing their services through a telemedicine facility. Physicians reported that consultations for insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders increased during the pandemic. Conclusions: Sleep laboratories were reportedly closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and most of the sleep physicians were providing services through telemedicine. The majority reported that auto-positive airway pressure without diagnostic polysomnography could be an effective option for uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea. Consultation for insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders reportedly increased during the lockdown.