Sleep Test / Sleep Study Singapore l Dr Kevin Soh

A sleep test is a study that records body activities while a patient is asleep. It is used by doctors to diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, or abnormal behaviours like sleep walking. Additionally, you may need to go for a sleep study if a lack of sleep has negatively affected your quality of life.

Your doctor might prescribe a sleep study if you display symptoms of sleep apnea such as daytime fatigue or chronic snoring. The sleep study can be done at patient’s own home or hotel (for overseas patient). This can also be arranged at a hospital.

Watch-Pat Sleep Study

Patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea are usually advised to undergo an overnight sleep study (polysomnography) either at the hospital or the patient’s own home or hotel.

The Watch-PAT is a new, clinically proven diagnostic device utilising innovative technology that enables accurate detection of sleep related breathing disorders, in the comfort of the patient’s home. Monitoring changes in peripheral arterial tone and activity, as well as in blood oxygen saturation levels, the Watch-PAT identifies sleep apnea events at very high sensitivity and specificity levels.

The wrist-mounted Watch-PAT has been clinically validated in multiple studies as a very reliable and effective technology, with outcomes comparable to in-hospital PSG sleep studies. The device is worn on the wrist, ensuring that there is minimal disruption to the patient’s sleep experience.

The advantage lies in its comfort during sleep and is a convenient way of assessing a patient’s risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

What to Expect During a Home Sleep Study?

You will be required to wear the device at home when you are getting ready to go to bed. On the night of the test, you should stick to your regular bedtime and wear the device as instructed.

How Long Does a Home Sleep Study Take?

A home sleep test is typically carried out over 1 night. In certain cases, your doctor may need you to undergo 2 – 3 more nights of testing to ensure a successful test.

Do I Need to Stay Overnight in the Hospital?

No. There are newer home based monitoring options that are just as accurate and reliable as the hospital overnight sleep test. The home based devices are also better, as the patient sleeps at home, in his natural regular environment; hence, the sleep is more physiological and would yield a more accurate result.

The current Watch PAT device has been shown to be effective and up to 93% accurate and reliable compared to the overnight full polysomnogram.

However, overnight stay can also be arranged for patients who prefer the sleep study to be conducted in a hospital. There will be additional costs of the hospital stay.

Preparing for a Sleep Test in Singapore

How Do I Prepare for A Sleep Test?

Stick to your routine as much as possible
Avoid taking a nap on the day of the test
Avoid consuming caffeine during the day
Let ehe doctor know if you are on any medications

What Happens the Next Day?

Patient will bring the Watch-PAT system back to the clinic and a Sleep Report will be generated. Doctor will analyse and interprete the report for the patient and a recommended course of treatment will be prescribed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you slept well?

Some signs that indicate that you have slept well include

Falling asleep in under 30 minutes
Spending 85% of the time in bed asleep
Being awake for less than 5 mins in the middle of the night

If you have tried to improve your quality of sleep but to no avail, consult your doctor to seek professional help.

Will the sleep test hurt?

The Watch-Pat Sleep Study is non-invasive and will not hurt. It is very simple to attach the device to the body and set it to work.

Can I go to the bathroom during the sleep test?

Yes, you can visit the bathroom during the test. The system will record that you are awake and account for it in the sleep report.

Is this a medical procedure? Can I claim from my medical insurance?

Snoring if associated with symptoms of tiredness, poor concentration, daytime sleepiness, choking sensation at night, may be a sign of a potential serious medical problem – Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Most insurers cover this study as a medical investigation procedure. It is best to confirm this with your insurer on your coverage for this sleep study.