What does the study involve?
Sleep studies help the GenesisCare team identify and investigate issues that may be stopping you from getting sufficient restful sleep. Once you’ve settled in, a number of sensors are attached to your head, chest and legs to measure your brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, leg movements and the amount of oxygen in your blood. Video and audio will also be recorded. Should you need any assistance or have any concerns throughout the night a nurse or trained technician will be on hand to help.
How should I prepare for my sleep study?
When you arrive for your sleep study the GenesisCare team will help get you settled in. However, there are some steps you can take on the day to help ensure a successful study:
- As much as possible, keep to your normal routine on the day and in the weeks leading up to the study. For example, if you normally have tea or coffee in the evenings, you should also do so on the day.
- Take your usual prescribed medications, unless your doctor advises you otherwise.
- Please wash and dry your hair and shower before your appointment. This helps in securing the sensors to your body to ensure a successful study outcome.
- We’ll need to attach sensors to your scalp and fingers, so please remove any hair pieces or nail polish and avoid using make-up, hair conditioner, styling products and moisturisers.
- Bring your usual sleepwear and toiletries with you. If you have a favourite pillow feel free to bring it too.
- Have an evening meal before arrival or bring something to eat with you if you prefer.
What is a CPAP study?
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, your specialist may recommend a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) study.
In this sleep study pressurised air will be pumped through a mask that covers the nose or the nose and mouth.
During the study, the air pressure will be gently increased to prevent snoring, apnoea, other breathing irregularities and to improve your blood oxygen levels and sleep quality.
What’s a BiLevel study?
For some sleeping disorders, your specialist may recommend a treatment with a BiLevel device. Pressurised air will be pumped through a mask that covers the nose or the nose and mouth. A BiLevel device delivers two different pressures settings, one when you breathe in and another when you breathe out. During the study, the air pressure will be gently increased to prevent snoring, apnoea, other breathing irregularities and to improve your overall sleep quality.
What happens if I can’t attend my appointment?
We understand life is busy. So, if you can’t make your appointment or need to reschedule just let your GenesisCare team know 48 hours before your appointment and we’ll arrange another time that works for you.
We want to get your results to you quickly?
You obviously want to get results from the study as quickly as possible. The study is analysed at our laboratory and then reviewed by team.
The results will be available within 10 working days after your sleep study. Your referring doctor or specialist will be happy to explain the results and plan any treatment that may be necessary.
What to expect at an overnight sleep study?
