What is measured in a sleep study?
You sleep as normally as possible while a series of small sensors record how your body is working overnight. The information collected builds a detailed picture of your sleep quality, breathing and oxygen levels.
Typical signals recorded
- Brain activity (EEG) to track sleep stages
- Eye movements and muscle tone
- Heart rhythm (ECG)
- Breathing airflow through the nose and mouth
- Chest and abdominal breathing effort
- Snoring sounds
- Blood oxygen levels
- Body position
- Leg movements
“Will I actually sleep?”
Most people do. Even if you feel you have hardly slept, we can usually see enough sleep to make a reliable assessment of your breathing and sleep patterns.
Hospital vs home sleep studies
Sleep studies can be performed either in a dedicated hospital sleep laboratory or as a home-based study. A home-based study allows you to sleep at home in your own bed.
Inpatient sleep laboratories
You are admitted overnight to a partner sleep unit. A sleep technologist applies the sensors, monitors the study and is available if you need assistance.
Current partner labs
- Cabrini Hospital, Brighton
- Epworth sleep laboratories – Camberwell and Richmond
- Maryvale Private Hospital, Morwell
- Monash Health sleep laboratories – Clayton and Dandenong
Testing in your own bed
A Sleep Life Balance technician sets up the equipment at one of our clinics. You then go home with a compact recorder worn on a belt and sleep in your own bed.
Home study set-up locations
- Bentleigh
- Morwell
- Sale
The following morning you remove the sensors and return the equipment to the clinic.
Which option is right for me?
Factors such as other medical conditions, your job, your distance from hospital and your doctor’s preference all play a role. If you are unsure, contact our team and we can talk through the options before you book.
After your study
Your recording is analysed by an experienced sleep scientist and reported by a specialist physician. Results are sent back to your referring doctor, who will explain the findings and discuss treatment.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, positional therapy, dental appliances, CPAP therapy, or other options depending on your diagnosis and preferences.