FAQs
Why do a Sleep Study?
A Sleep Study is a simple, non-invasive test used to diagnose a range of sleep disorders. Poor sleep can affect your health and wellbeing in many ways, including your mood, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Some sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea and insomnia, are linked to an increased risk of serious medical conditions if left untreated.
Do I have to stay overnight at a hospital?
Not at all. Your Sleep Study is completed at home, so you can rest where you’re most comfortable. Being in your own space helps your sleep stay as normal and natural as possible despite being wired up.
What does a home Sleep Study involve?
You’ll attend a brief appointment (approximately 30 minutes) at one of our clinics, wearing your usual sleepwear and free from makeup or skin creams. A qualified sleep technician will fit monitoring sensors to record your brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, movement, and sleep position. You’ll then return home, follow your normal evening routine, sleep as usual, and return the equipment the following morning at 8:30AM.
What should I wear for my Sleep Study?
For your Sleep Study, wear comfortable sleepwear that you normally go to bed in, like pyjamas or a loose-fitting T-shirt, to help you rest as naturally as possible.
What if I don’t sleep well?
It’s a common concern, even a limited amount of sleep typically provides sufficient data, and brief disruptions rarely impact the accuracy of the results.
What if I move frequently during sleep?
That’s not an issue. The equipment is designed to accommodate normal movement during sleep, and the sensors are securely applied to remain in place throughout the night.
What can be diagnosed with a Sleep Study?
A Sleep Study can identify a range of sleep-related conditions, including breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea, central sleep apnoea, upper airway resistance syndrome, and Cheyne–Stokes respiration, as well as movement disorders like periodic limb movement disorder.
Do you need a GP referral for a Sleep Study?
It is best to get a GP referral as you may be able to get your Sleep Study covered by Medicare. A GP checks your symptoms to see if you meet Medicare criteria (like snoring, tiredness, breathing pauses).
Without a referral, the Sleep Study will usually be private, meaning no Medicare rebate applies.
Can I take my regular medications?
Yes. You will be asked to complete the short questionnaire when you return the Sleep Study device and let us know what medications you took that night, as some medications can affect sleep patterns.
What happens after the study?
Your data is reviewed by a Sleep Scientist and a Respiratory & Sleep Specialist. Your results will be sent to the referring doctor, however the results will be discussed with you by one of our sleep technicians, along with recommendations for next steps. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, treatment options will be explained to you.
