Overnight sleep study
Update
Please note that from 11 May 2020, GenesisCare will resume in-lab (overnight) and home sleep studies at our centres.
As we continue to face the uncertainty of COVID-19, providing ongoing access for patients who may be at increased risk due to sleep disorders is very important.
While providing high quality services, GenesisCare is complying with state and national advice and we have implemented a range of new safety measures to limit the risk of COVID-19.
We welcome all referrals for diagnostic sleep studies and CPAP treatment and support, and are pleased to provide essential medical care to your patients.
Our specialists and sleep therapists are facilitating both Telehealth and in person consultations if you wish to discuss anything with them.
For further information or support, please contact 1800 155 225 or infosleepqld@genesiscare.com.
What is it?
An overnight or in-lab sleep study is conducted by highly trained sleep professionals who monitor your sleep using sensors that record information. A non-invasive and painless procedure, patients spend the night away from home in a hospital or clinic under our professional care. Results are generally available within approximately 10 working days of the study through your regular GP and will help determine a course of action to improve your quality of sleep.
-
Conducted in hospital or clinic
-
Sensors used to monitor sleep patterns
-
Non-invasive and painless
If you are having trouble with sleeping and getting enough rest during the night, your doctor may refer you to a sleep professional to investigate the cause. Your sleep specialist can identify contributing factors and diagnose a number of sleep disorders.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, your specialist may recommend a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) study. This involves pressurised air being gently pumped through a mask that covers your nose and/or mouth. The air pressure is monitored and adjusted during the study to prevent snoring, apnoea, other breathing irregularities and improve blood oxygen levels and sleep quality.
For some sleeping disorders, your specialist may recommend a test using a BiLevel device. As with the CPAP study, a BiLevel device pumps pressurised air through a mask that covers your nose and/or mouth, but delivers different pressure settings for breathing in and breathing out. This allows sleep specialists to gather specific information to assist with treatment options.
- Overnight sleep studies require you to spend the night at your hospital or sleep clinic under the care of a sleep professional.
- The procedure requires sensors and leads to be attached to different parts of your body to record information, along with audio-visual and body-position monitoring while you sleep. It is non-invasive and painless.
- The overnight stay generally lasts approximately 12 hours (usually from 7:00pm to 7:00am) – however may vary between clinics.
- Our team of highly trained sleep technicians, nurses, scientists and physicians use the information gathered to identify and investigate any issues during your sleep and how they may affect your body. Someone is available throughout the night should you need assistance or have any concerns.
How should I prepare?
-
Stick to your normal routine on the day, including eating and drinking as usual (including tea and coffee or other caffeine-based stimulants)
-
Take all regular medications as prescribed unless advised otherwise by your doctor
-
Shower, shampoo and dry your hair to help with adhesion of sensors to your skin and scalp
-
Remove any make-up, hair pieces and nail polish, and refrain from using other hair and skin products and moisturisers
-
Bring your usual sleepwear and toiletries with you, and a favourite pillow if you like
-
Have an evening meal before your arrival
-
Ensure you read all the preparation information prior to your test
-
Confirm your appointment at least 48 hours prior
What happens next?
The study is analysed at our laboratory and reviewed by our qualified team of sleep professionals. Results will be available within 10 working days through your referring doctor or specialist and they will be able to assist with planning any treatment that may be recommended.
Meet our sleep specialists
- Sleep and Respiratory Physician | Sleep Physician
We attract and retain some of the most experienced doctors in the country, who all have a passion for improving patient outcomes and specialise in the treatment of sleep and respiratory disorders.
To give you the best care we can, we have the largest group of privately practicing sleep and respiratory specialists in Australia.