Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health, yet many people struggle with issues like loud snoring, constant fatigue, or disrupted breathing during the night. These symptoms may point to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or other sleep disorders. To get to the root of the problem, doctors often recommend a sleep study.
Sleep studies are typically carried out in specialised centres where multidisciplinary teams work together to ensure accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plans. This collaborative approach helps patients better understand their sleep health and take meaningful steps toward improvement.
Purpose of a Sleep Study
Sleep studies allow doctors to identify the root cause of sleep-related symptoms and develop tailored treatment plans. This is crucial for common issues like sleep apnea, which can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure if left untreated.
How a Sleep Study Works
A sleep study, medically known as polysomnography, is a comprehensive and non-invasive diagnostic test designed to evaluate your sleep cycles and identify any disturbances or disorders affecting your rest. This test is often recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, chronic snoring, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or unexplained fatigue.
Before the Study
Preparation plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate results. Here’s what you can do to get ready:
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of the study, as they can interfere with your natural sleep patterns.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions closely. This may include adjusting your medication schedule or keeping a sleep diary.
- Pack comfortable sleepwear and any personal items that help you relax, such as a favourite pillow or book.
You’ll typically arrive at the sleep clinic in the evening. The environment is set up to resemble a comfortable bedroom rather than a hospital room, helping you feel at ease.
During the Study
Once you’ve settled in, a trained sleep technician will attach sensors and electrodes to various parts of your body, including:
- Scalp – to measure brain wave activity
- Chest – to monitor heart rate and breathing
- Legs – to track movements that may disrupt sleep
These sensors collect valuable data on your brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and oxygen levels. The technician will monitor your sleep throughout the night from a separate control room to ensure everything runs smoothly.
While the equipment might feel slightly unfamiliar at first, most patients adjust quickly and are able to sleep reasonably well.
After the Study
In the morning, the technician will remove the monitoring equipment, and you can return home or resume your day as usual.
The data gathered during the night is then carefully analysed by sleep specialists, who look for indicators of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or narcolepsy.
A follow-up consultation will be arranged to discuss your results. If a sleep disorder is diagnosed, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment options.
Types of Sleep Disorders Diagnosed
A sleep study can diagnose various sleep disorders, including:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night.
- Central Sleep Apnea: A less common form where the brain fails to properly signal the muscles responsible for breathing.
- Insomnia: Chronic difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, leading to daytime impairment.
- Restless Legs Syndrome: A neurological disorder characterised by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, especially at night.
- Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder that causes overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
Considering Treatment Options
For individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), one increasingly popular alternative to traditional CPAP machines is Inspire Sleep Therapy. This innovative treatment involves a small implant that stimulates key airway muscles during sleep, helping to keep your airway open and reduce apnea events—without the need for a face mask or hose.
Sleep Study in Singapore
If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder, undergoing a sleep study is a crucial step in achieving better sleep and improving your overall health. With Singapore ENT specialists like Dr Paul Mok and Dr Lau Hung Tuan offering expert care, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands. Schedule a consultation to learn more about sleep studies and find the most effective treatment for your condition.
