What is a sleep study?
A sleep study is an overnight recording of your sleep, breathing, heart rate, leg movements and snoring for the diagnosis and evaluation of sleep disorders. Sleep studies can be performed either at home or in hospital. Sleep Services is the national provider of home-based sleep studies.
What is the purpose of a sleep study?
The purpose of a sleep study is to get a thorough understanding of your sleep patterns and to identify disorders that interfere with your sleep and daily life.
Why do I need a sleep study?
Your doctor has felt that due to your snoring, symptoms of tiredness, sleepiness or other medical conditions, it would be appropriate to assess if you have a breathing or movement disorder while you sleep.
What sleep disorders can be diagnosed?
Home-based sleep monitoring can diagnose snoring, obstructive and central sleep apnoea, periodic leg movement disorder, and insomnia. The sleep study can also give valuable information to assist in the diagnosis of delayed sleep phase syndrome and narcolepsy.
What is involved in a home-based sleep study?
On the day of your sleep study you will visit a Sleep Services Australia Centre for instructions and collection of the sleep monitoring device. The device is worn overnight to monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, brain and cardiac activity and body movements using several simple sensors applied to the skin surface. The device is returned the following day to the Sleep Services Australia Centre for assessment. You then arrange an appointment with your doctor two weeks after your sleep study to obtain your results.
How do I book for a sleep study?
Your health practitioner can refer you directly. Please ask your health practitioner to send us your referral and one of our receptionists will contact you within two working days to arrange an appointment at a Centre nearest you. Sleep Services Australia requires your referral prior to booking an appointment.
What do I need at my appointment?
- Any treatment devices that you may be using such as CPAP equipment, including all accessories, or an oral appliance.
- Medicare Card and any benefit cards (e.g. DVA, Healthcare)
- If you have difficulty remembering or understanding instructions please bring your partner or carer.
- A list of the medications you are currently taking.
- Mode of security for the sleep monitoring device (credit card).
Preparation before your home-based sleep study
Prior to applying your sleep study equipment, have your usual evening meal and your usual alcohol beverages. In order to get a good contact between the sensors and your skin, please shower, remove any makeup or nail polish and wash your hair. Do not apply moisturisers or oils to your skin.
The sleep study is a record of your night’s sleep. Your routine should remain the same as usual. The only difference being you will be applying and wearing a sleep monitoring device. You will place the sensors on your body as instructed at your appointment, approximately 30 – 45 minutes before your usual bedtime. Take your medications as usual unless otherwise instructed by your referring doctor. At the end of the study, you will remove the electrodes and return the equipment to the Sleep Services Australia Centre as instructed during your booking.
How will I get the results?
Your results will be sent to your referring practitioner within 7-10 business days. Please ensure that you have scheduled a follow-up appointment with your doctor two weeks from your sleep study date to discuss your results.
Other services we provide
In addition to diagnostic sleep studies, we also provide a CPAP service, including mask fittings, machine servicing, trouble-shooting of equipment problems, and treatment reviews.
Other services include: dental appliances, Provent as well as specialist sleep and respiratory consultations.