What Is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study (also called polysomnography) is a medical test used to assess how well you sleep and detect disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), snoring, and other sleep-related breathing problems.
For many Malaysians, snoring or poor sleep is often brushed aside. But left untreated, these conditions can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or poor daytime performance.

Types of Sleep Studies Available

1. Overnight Polysomnography (Full Sleep Study)

• Conducted in a hospital or sleep lab.
• Involves monitoring brain activity, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, snoring, and movement.
• More Comprehensive Test for sleep disorders involving more complex medical problems.
• Reserved for selected cases
• Considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders.

2. Home Sleep Apnoea Test (HSAT)

• Portable device worn at home while you sleep.
• Records breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and snoring.
• More convenient and cost-effective, though less detailed than full polysomnography.
• Reserved for patients with high risk of Obstructive Sleep apnea

3. Split-Night Study

• Done in a hospital sleep lab.
• First half of the night diagnoses OSA, while the second half tests the effectiveness of CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).

4. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

• Usually done after a polysomnography.
• Measures how quickly you fall asleep during the day.
• Helps diagnose conditions like narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness.

When Should You Do a Sleep Study?

You may need a sleep study if you experience:

• Loud, habitual snoring
• Waking up gasping for air
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by your partner)
• Morning headaches
• Unrefreshing sleep despite long hours in bed
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Poor concentration or memory problems

Sleep studies are especially important if you have risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

Why Sleep Studies Are Important

• Accurate Diagnosis – Distinguishes between simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Tailored Treatment – Helps ENT specialists decide on the best management, such as lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, or surgery.
• Prevents Complications – Untreated sleep apnoea can increase risks of stroke, heart disease, and accidents.
• Improves Quality of Life – Better sleep leads to better energy, mood, and overall health.

Learn more about sleep apnoea from the NHS.

Can Smartwatches Replace Sleep Studies?

Many now use smartwatches or fitness trackers to monitor their sleep. These devices can give useful insights into sleep duration, sleep stages, and heart rate trends.

However, it is important to note:

• Smartwatches are screening tools, not diagnostic tests.
• They cannot reliably detect sleep apnoea or measure oxygen levels with the same accuracy as a proper sleep study.
• If your smartwatch shows abnormal sleep patterns, it is a good reason to consult a doctor for a proper assessment.

In short, smartwatches are helpful for tracking lifestyle and sleep habits, but they cannot replace a sleep study when diagnosing medical sleep disorders.

Read more from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine on wearable devices.

Expected Costs at The ENT Doctor

At The ENT Doctor clinic, we offer both home sleep tests and referral-based hospital sleep studies depending on your needs:

• Home Sleep Study (HSAT): Starts at RM250
• Full Polysomnography requiring admission: Starts at RM850

We will advise the most suitable option based on your symptoms, health background, and convenience.

When to See an ENT

See an ENT if:

• Your snoring is loud and persistent
• Your partner notices you stop breathing at night
• You feel excessively sleepy during the day
• You have medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or obesity and poor sleep

Early diagnosis can prevent serious long-term complications.

Final Thoughts

Sleep is not just rest – it’s a critical part of your health. A sleep study can provide the answers you need to treat snoring, sleep apnoea, and other hidden problems.

👉 If you suspect you have sleep-related issues, book a consultation with me at The ENT Doctor. Together, we’ll find the safest and most effective solution for you.