Sleep Study Availability: Australia's Options

Sleep studies are a medical test used to monitor sleep and diagnose sleep problems. They can be done at home or in a specialised sleep clinic, depending on the patient's preference and suitability. Sleep studies typically involve wearing tracking equipment to record sleep data such as heart rate, body movement, and oxygen levels, which can be used to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Sleep studies are available in Australia through various providers, including Sleep Services Australia, Home Sleep, Macquarie Respiratory and Sleep, Sleep Testing Australia, and ResMed Australia. These organisations offer home-based sleep studies or in-lab sleep studies, with some providing Medicare-rebated options.

Sleep studies in Australia: at home or in a clinic?

Sleep studies are an important way to identify sleep disorders and improve overall health. Sleep studies can be performed either at home or in a clinic.

Home-based sleep studies are a convenient option for those who want to stay in the comfort of their own homes. These studies typically involve wearing a sleep-monitoring device that records data such as body movement, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The device is usually worn overnight and then returned to the sleep study centre for assessment. Home-based sleep studies can be an accurate way to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, and they may be covered by Medicare.

On the other hand, in-lab sleep studies are conducted in a carefully controlled environment, such as a sleep clinic or hospital. These studies involve staying overnight in the sleep laboratory, where trained scientists will monitor brain activity, breathing, and oxygen levels. In-lab sleep studies collect more data than home-based studies, including brain waves, skeletal muscle activity, and eye movement. They are considered the gold standard for sleep studies, but they may be more uncomfortable for some patients due to the unfamiliar environment.

The decision between a home-based or in-lab sleep study depends on various factors, including patient preference, the severity of the sleep disorder, and the availability of resources. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate option for each individual.

In Australia, there are several organisations that offer sleep study services, including Sleep Services Australia, Home Sleep, Macquarie Respiratory and Sleep, Sleep Testing Australia, and ResMed Australia. These organisations provide support and guidance throughout the sleep study process, helping individuals improve their sleep and overall health.

How to prepare for a sleep study

Sleep studies can be performed at home or in a hospital. They are used to diagnose and evaluate sleep disorders. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a sleep study:

Discuss Medications

It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with the healthcare provider who ordered the sleep study. Do not make any changes to your medication before speaking with a doctor. They can advise whether medication should be continued as usual and discuss how specific medications may affect the test results.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can alter normal sleep patterns, so it is best to avoid consuming them during the afternoon and evening before the test. Alcohol, in particular, can interfere with an accurate assessment of the nature or severity of a sleep disorder. However, if alcohol is a prominent part of your routine, do not stop consuming it abruptly; instead, consult your doctor about how to prepare for the sleep study.

Pack an Overnight Bag

If your sleep study is taking place at a sleep lab, pack a bag with items that are part of your usual bedtime routine, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste. Also, remember to pack clothing and other essentials for the next day. The American Association of Sleep Medicine recommends packing the following items for an overnight sleep study:

• Comfortable sleepwear
• A book or other reading material
• A change of clothes for the morning
• Oral care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss)
• Makeup remover
• Medications that your doctor has instructed you to continue taking during the sleep study

Prepare to Be Comfortable

Try to follow your regular bedtime routine as closely as possible. Bring your usual bedclothes or other items that help you sleep, such as your own pillow. If the study subject is a child, they may take comfort objects like stuffed animals, blankets, or special toys.

Don't Apply Hair Sprays, Oils, or Gels

Most sleep studies use small metal discs called electrodes, which are attached to your scalp, eyelids, and other body parts. Avoid using hair products, lotions, or makeup on the day of the study as they can interfere with the way the electrodes record measurements. Instead, wash and dry your hair, and thoroughly remove any makeup.

Sleep study costs

Sleep studies are done in Australia, and the cost of a sleep study in Australia is approximately $500 on average. However, the cost can differ based on factors such as the sleep clinic, location, and other conditions being assessed.

If you are a public hospital patient with Medicare, you will have no out-of-pocket costs for the procedure. However, if you are a private hospital patient, you may have out-of-pocket expenses. For private patients with Medicare and private health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost is $10, with Medicare paying $470, the insurer paying $260, and the specialist's fees being $740.

Home-based sleep studies are also available in Australia and can be a more affordable option. The fee for a home sleep study through Macquarie Respiratory and Sleep is $420, with a Medicare rebate of $324.70. Home Sleep Australia also offers home sleep studies, with one customer reporting fewer out-of-pocket expenses compared to an inpatient clinic study.

It is important to discuss the cost of a sleep study with your doctor or sleep clinic, as there may be insurance coverage options available.

Sleep study procedure

Sleep studies can be performed either at home or in a hospital. They are used to diagnose and evaluate sleep disorders. The purpose of a sleep study is to understand your sleep and identify disorders that interfere with sleep and daily life.

Booking a Sleep Study

To book a sleep study, you will need a referral from your health practitioner. You can then book online or over the phone.

Before the Sleep Study

Before the sleep study, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine if you suffer from a sleep disorder and whether you qualify for Medicare coverage for a home sleep apnea test. You should also maintain your normal routine, including consuming tea, coffee, or alcohol as you usually would. If you usually wear makeup, hair products, or moisturisers, you should remove these before the sleep study as they can interfere with the recordings.

During the Sleep Study

On the day of your sleep study, you will visit a sleep centre to receive instructions and collect the sleep monitoring device. Small sensors will be connected to your head, chest, and legs to monitor your brain activity, cardiac activity, breathing, oxygen level, and body movements. The device will be worn overnight, and you will return it to the sleep centre the following day.

After the Sleep Study

Your results will typically be sent to your referring practitioner within 7-14 business days. You should schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss the results and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Sleep study results

Sleep studies are performed in Australia to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. These can be done at home or in a hospital sleep laboratory. The results of a sleep study can help identify sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep disturbance.

• Heart Rate and Breathing Patterns: Sleep studies monitor heart rate and breathing patterns to detect any abnormalities. For example, sleep apnea is characterised by repeated upper-airway collapse during sleep, resulting in fragmented sleep and reduced blood oxygen levels.
• Body Movement: Tracking body movement during sleep can help identify disorders such as restless leg syndrome or periodic leg movement disorder.
• Oxygen Levels: Reductions in blood oxygen levels during sleep can be a sign of sleep apnea.
• Brain Wave Activity: Measuring brain wave activity can help diagnose disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which can cause fragmented sleep.
• Muscle Tone and Eye Movement: Monitoring muscle tone and eye movement can provide insights into sleep disorders related to muscle activity or eye movement during sleep.
• Sleep Patterns and Disturbances: Sleep studies can identify sleep patterns and disturbances, such as the number of times a person wakes up during the night, which can indicate the presence and severity of a sleep disorder.

After the sleep study, a qualified sleep physician or sleep specialist will review the data and provide clinical recommendations for treatment. The results are typically sent to the patient's referring practitioner within 7 to 14 business days, and patients are advised to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and determine the next steps.

Frequently asked questions