A sleep study is called a polysomnograph (PSG), and can be performed at home or in a hospital sleep laboratory. For many people, a sleep study that is completed in the comfort of their own home is a reliable and cost effective method for screening of underlying sleep disorders including snoring, sleep apnoea, and restless legs syndrome.
If a patient has not had a sleep study previously, or would prefer not to attend a hospital sleep clinic, our practice uses the Somté ambulatory PSG recorder which is about the size of a wallet. These units help diagnose and assess the efficacy of treatment of people with snoring, sleep apnoea, and other sleep disorder issues. Small leads are placed behind the ear, on the forehead and chest, and connected to the Somté unit.
These leads provide information about a person’s sleep quality and quantity, and heart rate, whilst two bands are placed around the chest and stomach to monitor breathing rate. Additonal leads measure heart rate and the presence of any arrhythmias, and the number of brain arousals during sleep. A small nasal cannula rests under the nostrils which provides information about breathing depth and snoring, and another small lead is placed on the finger which measures blood oxygen levels.
The data from the sleep study is sent to a registered Sleep Physician and Sleep Scientist who provide our clinic with a detailed 7 page report.
Benefits to patients
- Sleep study is reported on and an independent diagnosis provided from registered sleep specialists
- Independent assessment of treatment for CPAP, mandibular advancement devices, and surgery
- Sleep study in the comfort of your own home
- No private hospital bed fees or long public hospital waiting lists
- Freedom of movement during the night without assistance
- Time from initial consultation to having a sleep study is typically several days to one week
- No private health cover required
- Medicare rebates apply
- Referral to a Sleep Physician for consultation is provided if indicated by the sleep study report
The Somté is one of the few ambulatory monitors on the market that also allows measurement of leg movements during sleep which is crucial in helping to diagnose people suffering from restless leg syndrome. All of these measurements provide data on a person’s sleep patterns which provides a doctor with important and often crucial information. Furthermore, it is considered that home based sleep studies may provide a more accurate reflection of a persons sleep as they are in their own bed compared with having the study conducted in a hospital setting.
We are also happy to be offering Somté home based sleep studies to people on referral from their GP, ENT Surgeons and other medical specialists. The report is sent to the referring medical practitioner with a copy provided to the patient allowing both to instigate treatment options as required.
Benefits to GPs, ENT surgeons and other doctors
- Direct request for a sleep study with minimal waiting time
- Sleep study is reported by a Sleep Scientist and Sleep Physician usually within 10 – 14 working days
- Cost effective method for screening uninsured patients for possible sleep disorders
Please see our sample sleep study report for a detailed look at the in-depth data these studies provide.
If you suffer from a possible snoring or sleep apnoea condition and would like to have an in-home sleep study conducted, simply please ask your GP, medical specialist, or dentist for a referral.