HOME-BASED SLEEP STUDY
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.
What is the purpose of a sleep study?
The purpose of a sleep study is to get a thorough understanding of your sleep and to identify disorders that interfere with sleep and daily life.
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.
How do I book a sleep study?
Your health practitioner can refer you directly for a sleep study. Please ask your them to fax or email your referral to us on 1300 867 532 or bookings@vitalsleep.au and one of our reception staff will contact you to arrange an appointment. Vital Sleep requires your referral prior to booking an appointment.
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 is involved in a home-based sleep study?
On the day of your sleep study, you will visit Vital Sleep for instructions and collection of the sleep monitoring device. The device is worn overnight to monitor breathing, oxygen level, brain activity, cardiac activity and body movements using several simple sensors applied to the skin surface. The device is returned the following day to Vital Sleep for assessment.
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 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 moisturizers 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 the results.