Hospital-Based Sleep Study

What is a hospital-based sleep study?

An overnight sleep study or polysomnography (PSG) is a non-invasive test that is performed when the presence of a sleep disorder is suspected. All sleep studies are conducted in a private room and do not cause any pain or significant discomfort.

Compare home and hospital sleep studies

Prior to going to sleep, sensors are placed on the head, face, chest, stomach, legs and fingers. These sensors are kept in place with medical tapes and pastes. Throughout the night, sleep scientists monitor:

• Brain wave activity
• Respiration
• Eye movement activity
• Heart rate
• Muscle tone
• Blood oxygen level.

Before admission, ask the hospital to confirm your arrival time, preparation instructions, what to bring and how any fees will be handled.

For further information about the sleep laboratory, referral forms and hospital admission forms, please call (03) 9422 0077.

Who needs a hospital-based sleep study?

Our sleep physicians arrange hospital-based (in-lab) sleep studies in Melbourne when a more detailed overnight study is needed. Most adults being assessed for snoring and sleep apnoea can have a home sleep study instead.

Your sleep physician may recommend an in-lab study for:

• complex or unusual sleep disorders
• CPAP titration, when the right CPAP pressure is set during an overnight study
• people with significant heart or lung disease
• situations where a home sleep study is not suitable

A hospital-based sleep study is arranged through your sleep physician, so the first step is a referral from your GP or another specialist to one of our sleep physicians.

Frequently asked questions

When is a hospital sleep study needed instead of a home study?

When a sleep disorder is complex or unusual, when CPAP pressure needs to be set during an overnight study, or when significant heart or lung disease makes a home study less suitable. Your sleep physician assesses which study suits you.

What does a hospital sleep study cost?

Fees and eligibility for hospital-based sleep studies depend on the hospital and your insurance arrangements, and reception will confirm these before booking. Eligible home-based sleep studies are bulk billed with a valid referral.

How is a hospital sleep study arranged?

Through one of our sleep physicians. Ask your GP or another specialist for a referral to a sleep physician, who will assess whether you need a hospital-based sleep study and arrange it.

What happens on the night?

You stay overnight in a private room in the hospital sleep laboratory. Sensors are placed on your head, face, chest, stomach, legs and fingers, and sleep scientists monitor the recording through the night.

How do I get my results?

One of our sleep physicians reports the study and organises follow-up to discuss the results.