What is a Sleep study? 5 Steps to Get Tested for Sleep Apnea

A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is a diagnostic test performed during sleep to monitor and evaluate vital bodily functions, including brain activity, heart performance, and breathing patterns. This non-invasive, painless procedure typically takes one night to complete. It is commonly used to diagnose various sleep disorders, providing doctors with the insights needed to address and improve issues affecting sleep quality. Discover more about this procedure in the article by CPAP Discount Warehouse.

What is a Sleep Study?

A Sleep Study is done to diagnose Sleep Apnea. There are various diagnostic tools available in the industry, and they are rated by levels based on how comprehensive these tools are in capturing sleep data. The most comprehensive is Level 1, which is used in the hospital laboratory sleep studies at North Eastern Community Hospital.

A level 2 follows, which is a full PSG (polysomnograph) study close to the Level 1 study, but without overnight video monitoring that’s done in the hospital. We only conduct Level 1 and 2 studies because they are the most comprehensive diagnostic tools available. This is to ensure we pick up the required number of signals to be able to provide a quality sleep study report. Anything lower in levels can act as a screener to eliminate Sleep Apnoea, but will not offer enough information for us to pick up on the existence of other sleep disorders. Our Home-based sleep studies are Medicare-claimable for eligible patients.

We offer various forms of sleep studies catered to your needs and suitability for the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and other sleep disorders.

Hospital-Based Sleep Studies
Home-Based Sleep Studies
Driving Simulator

We conduct our Hospital-Based Sleep Studies at the Sleep Laboratory in North Eastern Community Hospital and can investigate other Sleep Disorders that may be present and require treatment.

Types of Sleep Study

Sleep studies are diagnostic tests designed to assess sleep patterns, breathing, and bodily functions during sleep. These tests help identify and address various sleep disorders. Below are the primary types of sleep studies:

Polysomnography (PSG)

Polysomnography is the most comprehensive sleep study, performed in a sleep lab under professional supervision. It monitors brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and muscle activity. This test is used to diagnose conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome.

Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)

The Home Sleep Apnea Test is a simplified, portable version of a sleep study. It focuses on identifying obstructive sleep apnea by monitoring breathing, oxygen levels, and airflow. This option is less intrusive and can be conducted in the comfort of the patient’s home.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

The MSLT measures the speed at which a person falls asleep during the day, typically following a nighttime sleep study. It is often used to diagnose narcolepsy and assess daytime sleepiness.

CPAP Titration

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a widely used treatment for sleep apnea. During CPAP titration, a technician determines the appropriate air pressure level needed for the patient’s CPAP machine to ensure effective use at home. This process typically involves a second sleep study. In cases where sleep apnea is highly suspected, a split-night sleep study may be conducted.

Why Do You Need a Sleep Study?

A sleep study may be essential if you show symptoms of sleep disorders that could affect your health and daily life. Below are common indicators suggesting you might need a sleep study:

Signs and Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Sleep Study

Snoring	Particularly loud snoring, often accompanied by choking or gasping sounds during sleep
Daytime Sleepiness	Persistent fatigue or drowsiness during the day, even after seemingly adequate rest.
Insomnia	Difficulty falling or staying asleep consistently
Restless Sleep	Frequent tossing and turning or waking up multiple times during the night
Morning Headaches	Headaches upon waking, often linked to reduced oxygen levels during sleep.
Observed Breathing Pauses	Witnessed episodes of stopped or labored breathing while sleeping.
Difficulty Concentrating	Memory lapses or trouble focusing due to constant tiredness.
Mood Changes	Increased irritability, depression, or anxiety caused by insufficient rest.
Leg Movements During Sleep	Uncontrollable leg movements or discomfort consistent with restless legs syndrome.
High Blood Pressure	Often associated with sleep apnea, high blood pressure may necessitate a sleep study for diagnosis and treatment.

>>> Learn more about: How to Stop Snoring? 8 Tips for a Quieter Night's Sleep

Benefits of sleep study in diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related disorders

A sleep study is a vital tool for identifying and addressing sleep-related conditions. Here are the key benefits it offers:

Comprehensive Diagnosis: A sleep study provides detailed insights into the underlying causes of sleep disorders, enabling precise diagnoses of conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome. By monitoring sleep patterns and bodily functions, it ensures a comprehensive evaluation.

Tailored Treatment Plans: After identifying the specific issues, healthcare professionals can recommend tailored solutions, such as lifestyle changes, medications, or devices like CPAP machines for conditions such as sleep apnea or hypopnea.

Monitoring Sleep Quality: Sleep issues are often linked to other health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, and mental health disorders (comorbidities). A sleep study uncovers these connections, allowing for targeted treatment of both sleep disorders and related health concerns.

Identifying Underlying Health Issues: Sleep impairments can contribute to or result from conditions like heart disease, obesity, and mental health issues. A sleep study helps reveal these links, facilitating more comprehensive care and better health outcomes.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders lead to improved energy levels, better mood, and increased productivity, significantly enhancing overall well-being.

Safe and Painless Procedure: Sleep studies are non-invasive and painless, offering a wealth of critical information about sleep health without causing discomfort.

By providing detailed information about sleep patterns and their relationship to overall health, a sleep study is a valuable step toward better sleep and improved quality of life.

What should I expect regarding the Sleep Study?

What to Know Before a Sleep Study

A sleep study is an important diagnostic test, and proper preparation ensures accurate results. Here’s what you need to know before your test:

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages at least 8 hours before the study. These substances can interfere with sleep patterns and impact the accuracy of the results.

Discuss your meds with your doctor: Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. Certain drugs may need to be adjusted or paused temporarily, as they can affect your sleep.

Don’t nap the day of the test: Do not take naps on the day of your sleep study. Staying awake helps ensure you fall asleep naturally during the test.

Pack for an Overnight Stay: Prepare for an overnight stay by bringing items such as comfortable sleepwear, toiletries, and anything else you may need for the night.

Understand the Sensor Placement: During the study, sensors will be placed on your scalp, eyelids, face, chest, limbs, and a finger to monitor various bodily functions, including brain waves, breathing, and heart rate.

Monitoring During the Study: The sleep lab staff will closely monitor and record your sleep throughout the night to collect accurate data.

Proper preparation and understanding of the procedure help ensure a smooth and effective sleep study experience.

What should I expect regarding the Sleep Study?

Remote Set-up

We will schedule an appointment for you to come into our clinic to pick up your kit for the DIY set-up. This appointment will likely be in the early evening, so you can still go to work on the morning of your set-up.

After you have completed the set-up, you can go about your normal routine and wait for the call from our Sleep Technician
The Sleep Technician will check through your set-up to ensure the Sleep Study has been set up accurately
You may walk around the house with the device, but please do not leave the house
Go to bed as per your usual routine, and sleep overnight with the device
Complete the form provided to you when you wake up, remove all associated parts from your body
Return the device so we can extract the data for our Sleep Scientists and Sleep & Respiratory Physicians to investigate

In-Clinic Set-up

We will schedule an appointment for you to come into our clinic for your set-up. This appointment will likely be in the early evening, so you can still go to work on the morning of your set-up.

At Your Set-up appointment

Our Sleep Technician will go through a series of questions with you prior to setting you up
Once details are confirmed, the Sleep Technician will begin to set up the device on you
This should take no longer than 1 hour

After Set-up is completed

After the Sleep Technician completes the set-up, you can head home
Follow the Sleep Technician’s instructions carefully to ensure the Sleep Study is conducted successfully
You may walk around the house with the device, but please do not leave the house
Go to bed as per your usual routine, and sleep overnight with the device
Complete the form provided to you when you wake up, remove all associated parts from your body
Return the device so we can extract the data for our Sleep Scientists and Sleep & Respiratory Physicians to investigate

In-Home Set-up

We will schedule an appointment for our Sleep Technician to visit you at your house for a set-up. This appointment will be in the evening, so you can still go to work on the day of your set-up.

When our Sleep Technician arrives

Our Sleep Technician will go through a series of questions with you prior to setting you up
Once details are confirmed, the Sleep Technician will begin to set up the device on you
This should take no longer than 1 hour

After set-up is completed

After the Sleep Technician completes the set-up, he/she will leave
Follow the Sleep Technician’s instructions carefully to ensure the Sleep Study is conducted successfully
You may walk around the house with the device, but please do not leave the house
Go to bed as per your usual routine, and sleep overnight with the device
Complete the form provided to you when you wake up, remove all associated parts from your body
Return the device so we can extract the data for our Sleep Scientists and Sleep & Respiratory Physicians to investigate

Hospital-Based Sleep Study

During and after the Set-up

Our Sleep Technician will set you up with the device in your room
This should take no longer than 1 hour
Once the set-up is complete, you may get comfortable and ready for bed
Our Sleep Technician will monitor your progress over the course of the night and troubleshoot if required

After the study is completed

When you wake up in the morning, you can remove the device and start freshening up for the day
Have a light breakfast and you can go straight to work after
Leave us to extract the sleep data for our Sleep Scientists and Sleep & Respiratory Physicians to investigate
We will contact you once your report is ready for review with your Physician

How can I get tested for Sleep Apnoea?

Speak to your GP about your symptoms of OSA.
Get your GP to fill out and sign off the referral form and send it to us.
Depending on your condition or doctor’s recommendation, we may set you up with a hospital sleep study or set you up in the comfort of your own home.*
Return the device the following morning and we will analyse your sleep data. Your report will be sent off to your referring GP as well as the Sleep & Respiratory Physician.
We will follow up with treatment options for you depending on your results.

If you have been booked in for a home-based sleep study, we will also discuss with you the various services available at that point in time – whether it is remote set-up, in-clinic set-up or an in-home set-up.

>>> You might be interested in: Home Sleep Studies: When, Why, How and Troubleshooting Tips

What Can a Sleep Study Diagnose?

Sleep disorders	What it is	Symptoms	Diagnosis
Sleep Apnea	A serious condition where breathing is repeatedly disrupted during sleep, either due to a blocked airway OSA or the brain failing to signal the muscles responsible for breathing CSA.	Loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, choking or gasping during sleep,difficulty concentrating, and irritability.	A sleep study (polysomnography) measures airflow, oxygen levels
Insomnia	A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to go back to sleep.	Trouble initiating sleep, frequent awakenings, restless nights, and daytime fatigue or mood disturbances.	A sleep study may help identify underlying causes of insomnia
Narcolepsy	A neurological condition that disrupts the brain's control of sleep-wake cycles, causing excessive daytime sleepiness and unexpected sleep episodes.	Severe daytime drowsiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during sleep transitions.	Diagnosed through polysomnography followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)	A condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often paired with discomfort, particularly during periods of rest.	Tingling, crawling, or aching feelings in the legs, worsening in the evening or at night	Identified through sleep study that records periodic limb movements during sleep

How sleep study results are analyzed

Following a sleep study, specialists examine data collected from devices such as EEG, pulse oximeters, and heart rate monitors. They assess sleep stages, breathing irregularities, and critical metrics like the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which measures the severity of sleep apnea. The evaluation may also reveal other conditions, such as insomnia or restless legs syndrome. The results are summarized in a report that informs treatment recommendations.

A sleep study plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, helping individuals achieve better sleep and overall well-being. By analyzing sleep patterns and identifying conditions such as sleep apnea and insomnia, healthcare professionals can develop tailored treatment plans to improve quality of life. For more information about "sleep study Adelaide" or "sleep study near me," visit the CPAP Discount Warehouse website.