SIMS Hospital Launches India’s First Integrated Sleep Institute
Chennai: SIMS Hospital has launched India’s first Integrated Sleep Institute, a fully coordinated multidisciplinary centre dedicated exclusively to sleep health. The institute brings together 10 medical specialties under a unified framework, aiming to address the traditionally fragmented approach to sleep disorder treatment in the country.
The facility was inaugurated by actress Aishwarya Rajesh. Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SRM Group, attended as Guest of Honour.
The institute integrates medical, surgical, diagnostic and supportive services into a structured, evidence-based care pathway. A multidisciplinary team comprising ENT surgeons, pulmonologists, neurologists, bariatric specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and dentists will collaboratively manage neurological, psychological and respiratory sleep disorders across all age groups.
The centre houses a dedicated sleep laboratory with attended sleep study facilities and real-time physiological monitoring. It is equipped to perform Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) to identify airway obstruction during simulated natural sleep. Treatment options include Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapies such as CPAP, AutoPAP and BiPAP, along with minimally invasive endoscopic, plasma-based and radiofrequency procedures.
In addition to medical and surgical interventions, the institute offers counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based treatment for insomnia and sleep apnea. Specialised sleep optimisation programmes are also available for sportspersons requiring circadian rhythm adjustments.
Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu said the institute represents a shift toward integrated, collaborative sleep care in India.
Dr. Karthik Madesh Ratnavelu, Director and Senior Consultant (ENT) heading the institute, highlighted that untreated sleep disorders are strongly linked to stroke and nighttime cardiac events, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and structured treatment.
The institute has introduced a “sleep navigator” model, assigning each patient a dedicated coordinator to streamline diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up through a shared decision-making process.
