Do you feel restless and groggy in the morning despite a full 8 hours of sleep? You may have poor sleep quality or a sleep disorder. Lack of sleep quality can be caused by lifestyle factors or underlying chronic conditions; if left untreated, it can affect your relationships, mental health, work performance and overall quality of life.
What causes sleep disorders?
A sleep disorder is a condition that affects a person’s ability to get enough quality sleep. There are many different types of sleep disorders caused by different factors, but the most common ones in Singapore include;
- Insomnia
This is a condition where an individual has difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. - Obstructive sleep apnea
This is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and fatigue during the day. - Insufficient sleep syndrome
Insufficient sleep syndrome, also known as sleep deprivation, is a condition characterized by consistently not getting enough sleep, which can lead to various physical and mental health problems. Individuals with insufficient sleep syndrome experience chronic sleep deficits, leading to daytime sleepiness, impaired cognitive function, mood disturbances, and increased health risks.
In Singapore, about 1 in 3 Singaporeans suffer from sleep disorders, and about 30% of Singaporean adults report having poor sleep quality.
What causes sleep disorders?
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Medical conditions
e.g. asthma, chronic pain, acid reflux
Mental health disorders
e.g. anxiety, depression
Lifestyle factors
e.g. poor sleep habits, irregular sleep schedule, excessive caffeine intake, use of electronic devices before bedtime, shift work
Medications
e.g. antidepressants, blood pressure medication
Sleep environment
e.g. noise, light, temperature, uncomfortable bedding
Genetics
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How are sleep disorders
diagnosed in Singapore?
As the causes of poor sleep quality are usually multifactorial, diagnosing your sleep disorder will require taking into account several aspects of your life. Here are some ways sleep disorders are treated in Singapore:
- Sleep Diary
To identify patterns in your sleep habits and provide insight into potential sleep disorders
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
The MSLT measures the time you take to fall asleep during the day and can help diagnose narcolepsy and other disorders that cause excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Physical examination
To identify underlying medical conditions that could be causing sleep disturbances
- Blood tests
To identify underlying medical conditions that could be causing sleep disturbances, such as anemia or thyroid disorders.
- Sleep study
A sleep study, also known as a polysomnography, is a test that measures brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing, and other body functions during sleep. This test is often used to diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders.
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale
A questionnaire that measures daytime sleepiness.
At LMC, our sleep therapies include sleep studies and technologies like the CPAP machine to track your sleeping patterns. If necessary, we will refer you to specialists for more advanced care.
Why should we be
concerned if we have poor quality sleep?
If we have poor quality sleep or lack of sleep, it will impact multiple hormones that affect appetite and glucose regulation, thereby increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes etc.
Are sleep disorders lifelong?
Absolutely not – poor sleep quality and sleep disorders are one of the most readily treatable health problems. With the correct diagnosis, intervention, and treatment, you can regain good sleep and your quality of life.
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment can range from simple, effective lifestyle changes to cognitive behavioural therapy, medication and medical intervention. At LMC, we take a holistic approach and treat not just your sleep but overall wellbeing – this includes looking at your diet, physical activity, heart health and more through the guidance of a health coach.
Through our coaching programs, you get access to:
Evidence-based health coaching
Individualised management plan
Coordination and scheduling of specialist referrals
Personalised program tailored to your unique goals and preferences
Your health matters to us. Contact us to find out more.
Sleep Disorders
FAQs
What are the 5 major sleep disorders?
The 5 major sleep disorders are restless legs syndrome, insomnia, REM sleep behaviour disorder, insomnia and narcolepsy.
What is the most common sleep disorder in Singapore?
The most common sleep disorder in Singapore is insomnia, a condition where a person has difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep despite having the opportunity to sleep. Around 10% of the adult population in Singapore suffer from insomnia.
Why can’t I sleep at night even though I’m tired?
If you feel tired but cannot sleep, it may be a sign your circadian rhythm is off, or other factors such as anxiety, depression, caffeine consumption and sleep disorders.
Why are those at shift work at high risk of sleep disorder?
Those with shift work might have circadian disruption (as they are required to work or travel during the biological night) or short sleep duration (due to social or family matters) that cause them at higher risk of sleep disorder. Some interventions or gadgets can help you manage or improve sleep quality.
Health is for everyone
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