What is a sleep study?
A sleep study, also called polysomnography, is a non-invasive test that monitors your body while you sleep. It typically records your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, brain activity (via EEG), and eye and leg movements. A sleep scientist and sleep physician then review the data to help diagnose sleep disorders.
Doctors commonly use a sleep study to:
- Diagnose sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea (where breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep), as well as conditions like restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and insomnia.
- Understand your sleep patterns by identifying time spent in REM and non-REM sleep and any disruptions between stages.
- Assess sleep quality, not just how long you sleep but how restorative that sleep actually is.
- Guide treatment, including whether CPAP therapy may help and at what pressure settings.
- Check how treatment is working for people already using CPAP or another therapy.
Types of sleep study in Adelaide
There are two main types of sleep study, and a GP or sleep physician will help you decide which suits your situation.
Home sleep study
A home sleep study lets you sleep in your own bed. You usually attend a clinic appointment first so a technician can fit the monitoring equipment, then you take a portable kit home, wear it overnight and return it the next day. Home studies are convenient, comfortable and are commonly used to investigate obstructive sleep apnoea.
In-lab sleep study
An in-lab study (full polysomnography) takes place overnight at a sleep clinic or hospital. Trained staff attach the monitoring equipment and observe a wider range of measurements throughout the night. In-lab studies provide more detailed data and are often recommended for more complex sleep concerns.
How much does a sleep study cost in Adelaide?
Sleep study costs in Australia vary, so the figures below are general guidance only — always confirm pricing and any rebates directly with the clinic and your health fund.
The final cost usually depends on:
- Whether you have a home study or an in-lab study.
- Whether the study is run through public or private services.
- Your Medicare eligibility and any private health insurance cover.
- Any additional tests or specialist consultations involved.
As a rough guide, home sleep studies tend to be the more affordable option, while in-lab studies generally cost more because of the additional monitoring involved. Some clinics offer bulk-billed home sleep studies for eligible patients, which can reduce or remove out-of-pocket costs. Medicare may cover part or all of an eligible study when you're referred by a doctor, and private health insurance may provide a rebate depending on your policy. Check your cover and ask the clinic for a written quote before booking.
How to get a sleep study in Adelaide: the steps
CDW works closely with our clinical partner CLM Sleep so the journey from suspected sleep apnoea to treatment is straightforward.
- Get a referral. Speak with your GP about your symptoms. If they feel a sleep study is appropriate, they'll provide a signed referral. Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with health risks, so a proper diagnosis matters.
- Schedule your study. Once your referral is received, the clinic will contact you to arrange a home or in-lab study based on your needs. You'll wear the equipment overnight and, for home studies, return it the following morning.
- Your report goes to your doctor. Sleep scientists and physicians analyse your data and send the report to your referring doctor to review with you.
- Begin treatment if needed. If the study confirms obstructive sleep apnoea, your care team will talk you through your options. CPAP therapy is the most common treatment, though alternatives such as a mandibular advancement splint or positional therapy may be suitable depending on your results.
What happens if you're diagnosed with sleep apnoea?
For many people with obstructive sleep apnoea, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is the recommended treatment. A CPAP machine delivers a gentle, steady stream of air through a mask to help keep your airway open while you sleep.
CDW is an authorised dealer of genuine, TGA-regulated CPAP equipment from ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, Philips Respironics and Löwenstein. Once you have a diagnosis and any pressure settings from your sleep physician, our team can help you choose the right gear:
- Browse CPAP machines, including auto-adjusting (APAP) machines that respond to your breathing through the night.
- Explore CPAP masks across nasal, nasal pillow and full-face styles.
- Not sure which mask suits you? Try our mask finder for a tailored starting point.
You can talk to a real CPAP consultant for help getting set up, and visit us in person at our Elizabeth store in South Australia — see our store and locations.
Other ways to support better sleep
Alongside any medical treatment, a few everyday habits can support more restful sleep:
- Keep a consistent sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends.
- Build a calming wind-down routine and a dark, quiet, comfortable bedroom.
- Limit alcohol and sedatives close to bedtime, and avoid smoking.
- Maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce sleep apnoea symptoms for some people.
These suggestions complement, but don't replace, advice from your GP or sleep clinician.
Why work with CDW and CLM Sleep?
CDW is an Adelaide-based CPAP specialist shipping Australia-wide, focused on smart savings on genuine, Australian-supplied equipment. Our independent clinical partner, CLM Sleep, offers sleep studies and ongoing clinical support, with locations across South Australia for convenient access.
Together we aim to support you from diagnosis to therapy: clear guidance through the testing process, help interpreting your prescription, and ongoing support to stay comfortable on therapy — because consistent use is what makes CPAP effective over time.
This page is general information only and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you're concerned about your sleep, please speak with your GP or a sleep clinician. Our partner CLM Sleep offers sleep studies and clinical support — visit clmsleep.com to learn more.
