Sleep Apneoa Test
Sleep apneoa is a sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
When your breathing stops, your body’s survival instinct kicks in, briefly waking you up to get air. This reflex, while essential for staying alive, repeatedly disrupts your sleep cycle and prevents you from getting the deep, restful sleep you need.
There are three main types of sleep apneoa:
- Obstructive Sleep Apneoa (OSA): This is the most common type. It happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, causing a temporary blockage of your upper airway. This is often accompanied by loud snoring.
- Central Sleep Apneoa (CSA): This less common form occurs when your brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex / Mixed Sleep apneoa Syndrome (CSAS): This is a rare condition where a person has characteristics of both OSA and CSA.
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we want to help you restore better sleep, protect your heart and improve your overall health.
Sleep apneoa often goes undetected because many people are unaware of their nighttime symptoms. A sleep apneoa test is usually advised for people who have symptoms, certain risk factors or a higher chance of moderate-to-severe sleep apneoa.
Common Symptoms
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- Gasping or choking episodes at night
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or unrefreshing sleep
- Mood changes such as irritability, depression or anxiety
Risk Factors
- Obesity. Excess weight, especially around the neck, can narrow the airway and increase the chance of collapse during sleep.
- Family history. A family history of sleep apneoa or related conditions can increase your likelihood of developing the disorder.
- Male gender. Men are statistically more likely to develop sleep apneoa than women, though post-menopausal women are at higher risk.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) is often seen in people with obstructive sleep apneoa.
- Lifestyle factors. Smoking, alcohol consumption and sedative use before bedtime can worsen airway obstruction.
When to Consider Testing
A sleeping test for sleep apnea is particularly recommended if:
- You have multiple symptoms of sleep apneoa combined with one or more risk factors.
- Your doctor thinks there’s a strong chance you may have moderate to severe sleep apneoa based on your history and symptoms.
- You live with other health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of stroke, which can be made worse by untreated sleep apneoa.
- You don’t have the typical symptoms but have significant risk factors or a family history of sleep apneoa.
In short, if your sleep is anything less than restorative, and you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, we encourage you to take action.
Diagnosing sleep apneoa requires more than just noticing symptoms such as snoring or daytime fatigue. Because the condition disrupts breathing in subtle but serious ways, you need accurate testing.
Test Type | How It Works | What It Measures | Best For |
Polysomnography (PSG) In-Lab / Overnight Sleep Study | You sleep overnight at a sleep centre with a technician monitoring you. | Everything. Monitors brain waves (EEG), oxygen levels, airflow, heart rate, muscle activity and more. | The ‘gold standard’ test. Recommended for complex cases, patients with other medical conditions, or when a home test is inconclusive. |
Home Sleep Test (HST) Ambulatory Sleep Study / Type III devices | You take a portable device home to wear while you sleep in your own bed. | Key indicators. Measures oxygen saturation, airflow, snoring, and breathing effort. | Most common test. Recommended for patients with a high likelihood of having obstructive sleep apneoa. It’s a convenient and cost-effective option. |
WatchPAT Home Sleep Study | A user-friendly system with a wrist- or finger-based sensor. | Simple indicators. Uses your heart rate and peripheral arterial tone (PAT) to detect breathing disruptions. | Simplicity. Patients who prefer a test with minimal wires and sensors, as it’s the least intrusive option. |
Overnight Pulse Oximetry Simplified Monitoring | You wear a simple finger clip overnight. | Only oxygen levels. Measures oxygen saturation trends. | Screening. Used as an initial screening tool to check for significant drops in oxygen, but it’s not a definitive diagnostic test on its own. |
According to ACE, Home Sleep Tests (HSTs) can be an appropriate alternative to full in-lab polysomnography for many adults, provided certain criteria are met.
When a Home Sleep Test is Recommended
- Age: Adult patients aged 18 years and above.
- Clinical suspicion: Patients who meet criteria for a high pre-test probability of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apneoa (OSA). This typically means the patient has several symptoms such as loud snoring, witnessed apneoas, daytime sleepiness and relevant risk factors (e.g., obesity, hypertension).
- Device type: Testing should be performed using a Type II or Type III device.
- No complicating conditions: HST is most suitable for patients without comorbidities that could affect breathing or sleep patterns. Examples of complicating conditions include:
- Suspected central sleep apneoa (CSA) or complex sleep apneoa
- Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Congestive heart failure
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Other serious medical conditions that may interfere with sleep or breathing
Even when testing is performed at home, results should always be interpreted by a trained specialist in sleep medicine. This way, the diagnosis is accurate, and the right treatment plan can be recommended.
Here’s what you can expect during a sleep apneoa test:
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation with our doctors trained in sleep medicine. During this consultation, your doctor will ask about your sleep patterns, symptoms like snoring or daytime sleepiness, and review risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, or family history.
A quick physical exam may also be done to check your airway and overall health.
Deciding on the Test Type
Based on your profile, your doctor will recommend either an in-lab sleep study (polysomnography) for detailed monitoring, or a home sleep test (HST/WatchPAT) if your case is more straightforward.
The choice depends on your symptoms, risk factors and whether more complex conditions need to be ruled out.
Overnight Test Logistics
For in-lab studies, you’ll check in during the evening, have sensors attached and sleep overnight in a private room while technicians monitor your sleep. For home tests, you’ll receive a device with simple instructions, sleep at home as usual and return the device the next day for analysis.
Data Analysis
After the test, data is extracted to measure key sleep health indicators. These include the apneoa-Hypopnea Index (AHI), oxygen levels, snoring and sleep position. Together, these results provide a clear picture of whether you have sleep apneoa and how severe it is.
Follow-Up and Next Steps
Your doctor will review the results with you, explain the findings and discuss treatment options. This may include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle changes or surgery in certain cases. If results are unclear, a more detailed in-lab study may be arranged.
This appointment is your opportunity to ask questions and begin your journey toward more restful, healthy sleep.
The sleep apnea test cost in Singapore can differ depending on the type of test you take and where you choose to have it done.
- Home Sleep Tests (HSTs) are convenient, done in the comfort of your own home and provide enough information to diagnose most cases of obstructive sleep apneoa. Because they use simpler equipment and fewer sensors, they tend to be less expensive than hospital-based studies.
- An in-lab sleep study (polysomnography) is the most comprehensive test. This test is usually recommended if your condition is more complex, or if a home test doesn’t provide enough answers. Since it involves more staff, equipment and time, it usually costs more than a home study.
For patients who are eligible, subsidised options are also available at public hospitals and sleep centres. These help lower the overall cost of testing and follow-up care, especially for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
At the end of the day, the actual cost will depend on:
- The type of test recommended for your condition.
- How complex your case is.
- Whether you choose a public hospital with subsidies or a private clinic.
- Whether a specialist consultation and review are included.
Diagnosing and treating sleep apneoa early is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. The benefits extend far beyond simply getting a better night’s sleep.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis
- Lowers the risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
- Improves quality of sleep, leading to better daytime alertness and reduced fatigue.
- Enhances mood, memory, focus and cognitive performance.
- Boosts energy levels, productivity and quality of life.
Risks of Delaying Diagnosis
- Greater risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and chronic hypertension.
- Ongoing poor-quality sleep that weakens immunity and overall resilience.
- Higher chance of workplace or driving accidents caused by excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Long-term strain on physical and mental health, with worsening symptoms over time.
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we believe that better sleep leads to better health and a better life. With the right tests and specialist guidance, you can finally understand what’s happening during your sleep and take action before problems worsen.
Treatment is personalised. What works best depends on the type and severity of your sleep apneoa, your lifestyle and your overall health. Common options include:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP is considered the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apneoa. It works by delivering a steady flow of air through a mask and keeping your airway open while you sleep. This prevents breathing pauses, restores healthy oxygen levels and improves sleep quality almost immediately for most patients.
Oral Appliance Therapy
For patients with mild to moderate OSA, or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, a custom-made oral appliance may be recommended. These devices are worn like a retainer during sleep and gently reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open. They are less bulky than CPAP machines and often preferred by people who travel frequently.
Surgical or ENT Interventions
Surgery may be an option for a small number of patients when a clear anatomical issue is the cause of their sleep apneoa. These procedures are typically performed by an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist.
Lifestyle Changes
For some patients, especially those with mild sleep apneoa, simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. This may include weight loss, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, quitting smoking and using positional therapy (avoiding sleeping on the back).
Ongoing Follow-Up and Monitoring
Regardless of the treatment, ongoing monitoring is important. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the treatment works as it should, make any necessary adjustments to your CPAP settings or check the fit of your oral appliance.
Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, no longer fighting that midday slump and being able to enjoy your waking hours. This is what we at Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic want for you.
Get access to:
- Personalised care – We listen, assess and tailor the approach to you.
- Accurate diagnosis – With in-lab or home sleep studies, chosen to fit your needs.
- Clear guidance – Simple explanations and treatment options you can act on.
- Ongoing support – From the first test to better sleep, we’re with you all the way.
Schedule your sleep apneoa test with us today and start your journey back to restful sleep.
FAQ
What is the difference between an in-lab vs a home sleep test?
An in-lab sleep study (polysomnography) is done overnight in a sleep centre. It measures many signals at once, including brain activity, heart rhythm, breathing effort and oxygen.
A home sleep test (HST) uses a portable device you wear while sleeping in your own bed. It measures fewer signals but is usually sufficient to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea in straightforward cases.
How long does it take to get results?
Most results are ready within a few days to a couple of weeks. After analysis, your doctor will review the findings with you and explain the next steps for treatment.
Is it uncomfortable?
Both tests are safe and non-invasive. In-lab studies involve more sensors and wires, which may feel unfamiliar at first, but most patients still manage to sleep. Home tests are simpler, with fewer sensors and are usually well-tolerated.
Will insurance or subsidy cover the cost?
In Singapore, subsidies are available at public hospitals and sleep centres for eligible citizens and permanent residents. Some private insurance plans may also cover part of the cost, depending on your policy. It’s best to check directly with your provider.
What if I fall asleep poorly during the home test?
Don’t worry, home sleep test devices can still record enough data even if you don’t sleep as deeply or for as long as usual. If the results are unclear, your doctor may recommend repeating the test or doing an in-lab study.
Can a home sleep test detect all types of sleep apneoa?
Home tests are best for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). They are less accurate for central sleep apnoea or more complex conditions. If your doctor suspects these, they will usually recommend an in-lab study instead.