Sleep Medicine in Kuala Lumpur

Sleep medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of sleep disorders. A physician who specializes in sleep medicine is called a sleep medicine specialist and they have trained in internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, or neurology during residency. They are qualified to assist patients who suffer from conditions or disorders that affect sleep. They deal with a wide range of diseases and conditions, including:

• Insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep throughout the night.
• Parasomnia, such as sleepwalking.
• Sleep apnea and snoring, which is a condition when a person experiences abnormal patterns of breathing when they are asleep.
• Restless legs syndrome, which is an uncontrollable urge to move your legs that keep you awake.
• Narcolepsy, which is a condition that causes people to suddenly fall asleep during the day.
• Teeth grinding or sleep bruxism.
• Nightmares.
• Circadian rhythm disorder, which is a problem with the circadian rhythm or the “internal body clock” that keeps the body’s biological processes in step.
• Hypersomnia, which is excessive sleepiness at inappropriate times. 
• Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which is a condition where a patient physically acts out vivid dreams with sudden arm and leg movements, as well as with vocal sounds.

In order to diagnose and treat these sleep-related disorders, sleep medicine specialists can perform a wide variety of procedures. Some of the most common include, but are not limited to:

• Actigraphy
• Polysomnography (sleep study)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Sleep apnea tests
• Non-invasive ventilation
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy evaluation
• Overnight oximetry test
• Oral appliance therapy
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Sleep medicine specialists can also prescribe medications and refer patients to other specialists as required, such as to a physical therapist to help open the airway so patients can breathe better.

How Long Should I Stay in Kuala Lumpur?

The length of stay depends on the specific procedure you underwent. It is advisable to stay in Kuala Lumpur for at least 5 to 7 days. However, for some types of treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, you may need to stay longer as the treatment usually requires more than one session.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Since the treatment plan can be different from one person to another, recovery time varies widely. In most cases, the procedure itself does not require any recovery time. You should be able to resume your normal activity almost immediately, as long as you do not experience symptoms that prevent you from performing your day to day activity. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to care for yourself at home. Follow all instructions from your doctor as it will speed up your recovery and avoid complications. In most cases, your doctor may tell you to change your lifestyle, such as improve your diet and establish a regular sleep schedule.

What's the Success Rate?

Sleep medicine is always evolving. With continuous research, specialists now have a better and broader understanding of sleep and its disorders. Innovative technology and new approaches are being implemented on many levels, enabling sleep medicine specialists to diagnose and treat difficult sleep disorders more efficiently. This has increased the success rate of sleep medicine procedures.

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to sleep medicine, but your doctor may refer you to a relevant specialist if your condition is found to be caused by something else unrelated to the field. In certain cases, you may undergo acupuncture, meditation, or hypnotherapy as the alternative, but make sure to consult with your doctor first.

Sleep Medicine in and around Kuala Lumpur

About Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and often cited as the Food Capital of Asia. The city is modern on one hand and at the same time exhibits a rich cultural legacy.

Recognized globally, Kuala Lumpur is fast becoming a favored choice for medical tourism. Many individuals making the journey to this bustling metropolis can expect to conserve anywhere from 60% to 80% in medical expenses compared to the astronomical fees seen in the United States. The appeal doesn't end at affordable prices, the city's hospitals are reputed for their outstanding post-surgery care, ensuring patients feel comfortable and well-looked after. Supplementing the exemplary healthcare, these hospitals offer luxurious accommodation comparable to a five-star hotel suite, signaling a new standard for medical facilities worldwide.

Here is why Kuala Lumpur scores high in medical tourism.

• Extremely affordable and the quality of all treatments are of a high standard
• The Doctors are all certified and the teams are well trained
• Hospitals are world-class with the best amenities and modern surgical equipment
• Excellent post-operative care facilities to help with recuperating

Medical procedures including breast augmentation, varicose vein surgery, laser eye surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatments, oncology treatments and spinal surgeries are highly demanded in Kuala Lumpur. With state-of-the-art facilities, hospitals notably Pantai Hospital, HSC Medical Center, and Sikarin Hospital lead in providing these sought-after services.

Additionally, distinct local clinics situated in and around Kuala Lumpur, such as Dr. Cheong Plastic Surgery Clinic and KTOP Clinic, are particularly renowned in the field of breast augmentation. These institutions, aptly combining professionalism with empathy, embody the heightened standards of medical care in the city.

Popular areas in Kuala Lumpur

This city boasts a plethora of iconic attractions, spanning both naturally occurring wonders and impressive manmade structures:

• The Petronas: Hailed as the Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur, it is an 88-story twin tower. Thousands visit every day to walk over the sky bridge that connects the two towers to see the excellent bird’s eye view of the city. On a clear day, you can see as far as Indonesia.
• The Menara KL towers: This is the fifth tallest structure in the world today. Its observation deck is a hundred feet higher than the sky bridge that rests between the Petronas twin towers; What’s more, is that the ticket to the observation deck is completely free. Make sure that you reach there early because it has time slots to control the visiting number of people.
• China town: Is on Petaling Street and is surrounded by many very old historical shophouses and temples and is home to many local street food sellers. This 24-hour vibrant market township is the best place to shop if you love a bargain.
• The Batu Caves: is a limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones. The 100-year-old temple has idols and statues erected inside the main caves and around it. the temple is considered an important religious landmark by Hindus.
• The Open Aviary: Ever imagined an aviary where birds are not caged? That is the KL Open Aviary for you. Visitors are free to interact, feed, and even take photographs with the uncaged birds. It is one place you must not miss if you are a bird lover. There are more than 150 varieties to see and learn about.

Weather and Climate in Kuala Lumpur

In this city, residents and tourists alike encounter a tropical climate. Its persistent heat and humidity manifest in daily temperatures that typically fall between 29 and 35 degrees centigrade. Nighttime brings a touch of relative coolness, as temperatures drop to roughly 26 to 29 degrees centigrade.

While post-rain chills can occur, the city remains largely resilient to the monsoon winds coming from both the west and east. These sporadic showers pose minimal inconvenience as the city boasts well-structured covered walkways. A variety of indoor recreational complexes, inclusive of massive malls, guarantees an enjoyable pastime that doubles as shelter from the rain.

Getting around in Kuala Lumpur

The standard of public transportation within the city is second to none. A comprehensive network of buses and subway lines ensures swift and comfortable travel throughout the city, with affordable taxis providing an alternative for both longer and shorter journeys.

Showcasing their discipline, taxi drivers adhere meticulously to all road traffic rules and signs. For visiting tourists, the Hop-on-Hop-off service proves a favorite, offering a convenient tour that traverses the city, accompanied by an informative radio guide.

Tourist Visas in Kuala Lumpur

Citizens of 35 countries and the citizens of Commonwealth countries, including British protected citizens, Citizens from Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, San Marino, and Liechtenstein do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for up to 90 days.

Citizens of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and other countries will need to obtain a visa in advance before entering Malaysia. Visas can be obtained online or at a Malaysian embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The currency is the colorful Malaysian Ringgit. Further divided are cents or what the locals call as Sen. Coins are easy to handle. Ensure you carry enough local currency for the duration of your visit, as it is convenient to use shopping malls and local businesses. However, make sure to spend all the money you have exchanged before exiting the country because Malaysian Ringgit is not traded internationally.
2. Money and payments: All retail outlets, restaurants, and eateries accept Master and Visa cards. You will also find ATMs, placed conveniently at all of the major tourist and shopping locations around the city.
3. Local language: The Locals speak Malay and Arabic is also spoken widely. Nearly all of the population will understand and talk basic English.
4. Local culture and religion: A large number of the population follow Islam and the second most popular religion in the city is Buddhism, there is also a small percentage of Christians and Hindus in the city. The culture is tolerant, and the people are extremely warm and friendly towards each other.
5. Public holidays: The locals celebrate the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year and the Chinese New Year. Apart from these, the other holidays include international May Day or worker’s day and the days connected with the Coronation of the Monarchy.