Sleep Studies at Warringal Private Hospital

You may need an in-hospital assessment of your sleep

Contact the Sleep Laboratory at Warringal Private Hospital for more information.

Enquiries

For enquiries call the sleep laboratory on 9274 1388

Or email us at bookings@northernsleeplaboratory.com.au

About us

The service is operated by a dedicated team of sleep & respiratory physicians, technicians & nurses who are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. The latest sleep diagnostic technology is used to monitor patients within a safe hospital environment, in adherence with current industry best practices and guidelines. The laboratory has private rooms equipped with ensuites, comfortable beds & TVs.

Location

The Sleep Laboratory operates within Warringal Private Hospital in Heidelberg.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study is a complex neurophysiological medical test. The recording is conducted as part of an overall evaluation to look at what is happening during your sleep. Many things are recorded including brain wave activity (EEG), muscle tone (EMG), heart rate (ECG), breathing patterns, oxygen levels, leg movements and video of abnormal movements and behaviours.

A sleep study conducted at Warringal Private Hospital’s sleep laboratory involves an overnight stay, where patients arrive in the early evening and go home on waking up in the morning.

Our sleep laboratory is a carefully controlled environment, with measures to control noise, light and electrical interference. In the evening, our technicians will apply the electrodes / sensors and continuously monitor all the signals collected.

Once a sleep study has been performed, the data recorded is manually analysed by a senior scientist.

Why have a sleep study?

Most of us spend around a third of our life sleeping, so it may not surprise you that a sleep disorder can have a significant negative impact on a person’s life and their health (not to mention the impact on their partner).

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most commonly diagnosed sleep disorder yet many are unaware of their condition. It is categorised by have repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the throat (also known as "pharynx" or "upper airway") during sleep. A narrow floppy throat is also more likely to vibrate during sleep, which causes snoring. If partial or complete obstructions occur breathing is reduced or stops for a short time – from 10 seconds up to a minute or more – and blood oxygen levels fall as a result. A brief interruption to sleep (an arousal) that lasts for as little as 3 seconds then occurs, allowing breathing to start again but your sleep is disrupted as a result. These episodes of obstruction may happen many times – even hundreds of times - overnight. Some people know that their breathing is not normal at night, but may be unaware that this is a medical problem that is causing them harm. Risk factors linked to OSA include being older, overweight and a family history of severe snoring or OSA.

There is strong evidence that people with untreated moderate to severe OSA have other health problems. There is evidence that having OSA, particularly if severe, may increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, stroke or depression. Treating sleep apnoea may reduce these risks.

People with OSA are approximately two and half times more likely to have a motor vehicle accident than others. Broken night-time sleep leads to less alertness, slower reaction times, poorer concentration and more chance of falling asleep at the wheel. The risk of work accidents is increased if your job involves operating machinery or transport.

Arranging the Sleep Study

Study requests are welcome from specialists and general practitioners*.

A sleep study can be arranged following consultation with a Sleep Physician OR via direct referral by your General Practitioner (GP).

A list of our Sleep Physicians can be found below.

Download the request form and take it to your next GP appointment and discuss your symptoms with them. To save time, feel free to complete as much of the request form prior to your doctor’s appointment. Ensure that the doctor completes their details and faxes / emails the form to us.

Once your referral has been received and reviewed by one of our sleep physicians, you will be contacted to arrange a date for your sleep study and an information pack will be sent.

Following your sleep study, a review appointment with one of our qualified sleep physicians will also be arranged for you to discuss the results and treatment options.

*All referrals are reviewed by one of our sleep specialists before bookings are made.

Fees

Sleep studies are covered by all health insurance funds. Please check your fund for details as an excess payment may apply for the overnight admission.

Preparation prior to your study

There are no special things that you need to do before your study - you should try and do exactly what you do on a normal day. On the night of your study, prior to admission

• Please shower and remove any make-up/moisturizers/hair products and/or nail polish.
• Dinner is not provided. Please make your own arrangements before admission.
• Where possible, facial hair should be kept to a minimum (cleanly shaved preferred)
• Bring sleeping attire & toiletries (shampoo / soap) for a shower in the morning & any medications you usually take.
• Feel free to bring in your own pillow if desired.
• If you have a CPAP machine & mask or any sleep treatment device you currently use please bring it with you.

The monitoring equipment will be removed in the morning and a light breakfast is provided prior to discharge at 7am.

Please report to reception at the time indicated, where you will be required to sign admission paperwork and make any relevant payments.