News

The Faculty of Nursing pioneers’ cutting-edge strategies to prevent sleep apnea

05 May 2025

Venue: Seminar Hall, Faculty of Nursing, Rama University,Mandana, Kanpur.

Date:03/05/25

Time:11am-1pm

Organized by:  Faculty of Nursing, Rama University.

Program Overview: -

The Faculty of Nursing at Rama University hosted a One Day Workshop on Sleep Apnea on 03-05-2025, in the Multipurpose Hall of the Rama College of Nursing. The event, which took place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., brought together 117 nursing students. The workshop was led by Mr. Rahul Dixit, a renowned Sleep Apnea Educational Specialist , Director of Sangrah Innovations Pvt Ltd, Kidwai Nagar, Kanpur. Director Sangrah Innovations Pvt Ltd Kidwai Nagar Kanpur bagged with wide experience in the various capacities of Committee Member CSJM University Innovations Foundation , Incubatee PGI MedTech CoE Lucknow and NSRCEL IIM Bengaluru

This initiative was part of Rama University’s commitment to providing students with practical, evidence-based knowledge in healthcare and promoting a deeper understanding of critical health issues. The workshop aimed to inform nursing students about sleep apnea, its causes, symptoms, effects on health, diagnosis, treatment options, and the essential role nurses play in managing patients with this condition.

Event Highlights: -

The workshop was structured into several key sessions that covered the following important aspects of sleep apnea:

Mr. Rahul Dixit began the workshop by introducing the concept of sleep apnea—a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. He explained the importance of early diagnosis and management.

The causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were explained, with emphasis on physical blockages in the airway such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, and abnormal jaw structure.

The causes of central sleep apnea, which involve failure of the brain to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, were also discussed. Emphasized the types of sleep apnea, symptoms  and explained the impact on health and daily life

The workshop addressed how sleep apnea impacts daily life, contributing to fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and reduced work productivity. This creates a cycle of poor quality of life, leading to additional health challenges.

Mr. Dixit outlined the long-term complications of untreated sleep apnea, such as increased risk of accidents due to drowsiness, weight gain, and depression. He emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent these complications and various methods used to diagnose sleep apnea specially Polysomnography (Sleep Study), Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT), Pulse Oxymetry.

The workshop discussed the hands on training demonstration with  the main treatment methods for sleep apnea:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: A device that uses a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.

Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, positional therapy (sleeping on the side), and avoiding alcohol and sedatives were emphasized as non-invasive interventions.

Oral Appliances: Used to reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway.

Surgical Options: For severe cases of OSA, surgeries like Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or glandular surgery might be necessary.

Mr. Dixit emphasized the crucial role of nurses in identifying symptoms of sleep apnea in patients, especially in clinical settings. Nurses are often the first to recognize the signs of sleep apnea, particularly in patients with risk factors like obesity, hypertension, or loud snoring. Nurses are essential in educating patients about the importance of diagnosis and treatment. This includes educating patients on the use of CPAP machines, lifestyle changes, and the risks of untreated sleep apnea.

Nurses play a pivotal role in monitoring the patient’s progress during treatment. They must assess how well the patient adapts to CPAP therapy, help manage side effects, and ensure proper use of the equipment. Additionally, nurses can assist in post-surgery care for patients who undergo surgical treatments for sleep apnea.

The workshop was highly interactive, with nursing students actively engaging with Mr. Dixit during the Q&A sessions. The students asked thoughtful questions on various topics, such as the challenges of diagnosing sleep apnea in children, advances in diagnostic technology, and the long-term effects of untreated sleep apnea on elderly patients.

Workshop  Participation & Feedback:-

Students also shared their experiences in clinical settings, discussing how they could apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to better manage patients with sleep apnea. Several students expressed an interest in pursuing further studies in sleep medicine to specialize in this growing field.

Conclusion:-

The One Day Workshop on Sleep Apnea was a highly successful event that provided nursing students with essential knowledge on sleep apnea—a prevalent health condition that can significantly impact patients' lives. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn from a leader in the field of sleep medicine.