A sleep clinic provides services for the education, diagnosis and treatment of patients with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring.

It is also a place where sleep studies are conducted. These non-invasive overnight exams may be necessary for the doctor to find out more about your condition.

During this test, sensors will keep track of your eye movements, heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen levels. With this information, your doctor will be able to properly identify and cure your sleep disorder.

man undergoing sleeping while undergoing CPAP treatment

Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea

woman in hospital undergoing treatment for sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder in which one’s breathing starts and stops repeatedly.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it occurs when one’s throat muscles relax.  As a result, the individual’s upper airway gets blocked and is unable to breathe normally.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA occurs when your brain does not send signals to your muscles to take in air.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

This condition is also known as the treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TECSA). It occurs when one suffers from both OSA and CSA.

Snoring

man snoring in bed

Snoring refers to the snorting or grunting noise that one produces while asleep.

This low frequency sound is caused by the vibration of the back of the tongue and the soft palate. The vibration is produced by the movement of turbulent air through a narrow pathway in our throat.

Other common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep paralysis, sleep deprivation, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy.

Symptoms of Sleep Disorders

The symptoms of sleep disorders may vary depending on which condition you suffer from.

Here are some of the common ones:

  • difficulty falling asleep
  • difficulty staying asleep
  • feeling tired upon waking up
  • often feeling sleepy during the day and having strong urges to take a nap
  • suffering from a lack of concentration
  • depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings

You should visit a doctor if you have been suffering from one or more of the above mentioned symptoms on a persistent basis.

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(+65) 6887 4385

(+65) 6887 4385

Want to make an appointment? Call us now!

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and seek to better understand your symptoms and medical history. If necessary, a sleep study test will be conducted at the clinic, or at home.

A sleep study is a test that helps to diagnose certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy. This test is carried out while the patient is asleep.

Polysomnogram Sleep Study

A polysomnogram sleep study is an overnight sleep study that keeps track of the pattern of your brain waves and oxygen level in your blood. Your heart rate, breathing patterns, eye and leg movements will also be monitored.

The doctor will then analyse the data of your physical activity during the sleep and determine if you are suffering from a sleep disorder.

Watch-PAT 200 Sleep Study

The Watch-PAT 200 is a portable diagnostic device that is worn around the wrist. It helps to record one’s heart rate, oxygen levels and actigraphy.

This sleep study is conducted from the comfort of your own home.

Types of Treatment

Treatment for sleep disorders may vary depending on the type of condition one may have, and the underlying cause.

Generally, most sleep disorders can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and education on proper sleeping habits.

1. Nasal Treatments

Nasal treatment involves the use of nasal spray to relieve a blocked nose.

It can help to alleviate snoring and sleep apnea.

2. Oral Appliances

The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment is an oral appliance designed to use mild air pressure to keep one’s airways open.

These devices are suitable for curing moderate to severe sleep apnea.

3. Surgery

Surgical treatment options may also be used to treat sleep disorders.

  • Laser Assisted Uvulo-palatoplasty (LAUP)

This surgical procedure consists of the partial resectioning of the uvula and soft palate with the help of a laser. It is performed on patients who have mild sleep apnea, or when snoring is unassociated with sleep fragmentation.

  • Uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty (UP3)

This treatment involves the removal of the tonsils, and the cutting away of excess tissue at the back of the throat. Refashioning of the soft palate is also carried out. This surgery is suitable for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

  • Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is an effective way of allowing air to flow straight to the trachea and lungs, without having to bypass an obstructed airway path in the throat. However, one major downside to this surgery is that the patient will permanently have a hole in his/her neck.

As such, this treatment is only performed on snoring and sleep apnea cases that are severe and life-threatening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sleep disorder do I have?

With regards to sleep disorders, it may be difficult (and dangerous) to self-diagnose. Therefore, you should always seek advice from medical professionals.

Is it possible to manage sleep disorders without seeking medical treatment?

Making lifestyle changes, such as managing one’s weight, can help some with their sleep disorders.

According to Harvard Medical School, overweight individuals tend to have a higher chance of suffering from sleep apnea as the excess tissue at the back of their throat can block the flow of air into their lungs.

Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of getting sleep disorders.

However, to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, you are encouraged to seek advice from a medical professional.

What kind of people snore?

Although snoring can be a problem faced by anyone, it is commonly found in obese individuals.

Is it a problem if my child snores?

The cause of snoring in children is different from adults. Children tend to start snoring from the age of 3-5 when their adenoids begin to enlarge. They may also start to snore when their nose gets blocked due to a viral infection.

Treatment of snoring in children may include nasal sprays, oral appliances, weight management and surgery.

Can snoring be prevented?

For obese individuals, snoring can be prevented through regular exercise, eating in moderation and keeping healthy and fit.

However, adult snorers who are already slim, fit and healthy may have underlying problems such as sinusitis and blocked nose, or enlarged tonsils. For this group of individuals, prevention may not be feasible.

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