Sleep studies at Sleep and Lung Care
A sleep study records your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate and sleep pattern overnight to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders. Sleep and Lung Care provides home-based sleep studies, with the equipment collected from our clinics at Epping, Brunswick, Doncaster East, Braybrook and Kilmore, and arranges hospital-based sleep studies when a more detailed overnight study is needed. Eligible home-based sleep studies are bulk billed with a valid referral. Every study is reported by one of our sleep physicians.
Home sleep study or hospital sleep study?
| Question | Home-based sleep study | Hospital-based sleep study |
|---|---|---|
| Where the overnight test happens | At home in your own bed, after collecting the equipment from one of our clinics | In a hospital sleep laboratory, with a technician present |
| Arrangements | Clinic staff fit the equipment, show you how it works and explain how to return it the next morning | Arranged through your sleep physician |
| Usually used for | Most adults being assessed for snoring and sleep apnoea | Complex or unusual sleep disorders, CPAP titration, and people with significant heart or lung disease |
| Which option? | Your referrer or sleep physician assesses suitability | Your sleep physician assesses suitability |
| Fees | Eligible studies are bulk billed with a valid referral | Depend on the hospital and your insurance arrangements; reception will confirm these before booking |
A sleep study is a test; a sleep physician consultation is an assessment with a specialist doctor. If you need advice about the appropriate next step, ask your GP or read about seeing a sleep physician.
How to get a sleep study
Your GP can refer you directly for a bulk billed home sleep study if you meet the Medicare criteria (an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 8 or more and either a STOP-Bang score of 3 or more, an OSA-50 score of 5 or more, or a high-risk Berlin score). Otherwise, ask for a referral to one of our sleep physicians, who will decide which study you need. Upload your referral and reception will book you at the clinic closest to you.
What happens after the study
A sleep physician reports the study and the report goes to your GP. If sleep apnoea is found, we discuss treatment — CPAP, a mandibular advancement splint, weight and positional strategies, or a review of other causes of poor sleep — and organise follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sleep study bulk billed? Eligible home-based sleep studies are bulk billed with a valid referral. Fees and eligibility for hospital-based sleep studies depend on the hospital and your insurance arrangements, and reception will confirm these before booking. Where do I collect the equipment? From any of our five clinics. Can I sleep normally with the equipment on? Most people do; the sensors are lightweight and the study still works if you wake during the night. How long until I get results? Reports are usually completed within two weeks and sent to your GP. What if I already use CPAP? Bring your machine or data card to your appointment.
CONTACT US TODAY
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to discuss your sleep or lung-related problem, please contact reception using the button below.