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On the day of your sleep study, the following are important:

• Keep to your normal routine. This means that if you usually drink tea, coffee or alcohol in the evenings, you should do so on the night of your study. Also, please follow your normal sleeping routine in the week/s leading up to the sleep study.
• Take your usual prescribed medications, unless your doctor advises you otherwise.
• Please wash and dry your hair, shower, and remove all make-up on the evening of your study, as this will remove oils and improve the quality of the recordings.
• Avoid using hair conditioner, styling products and moisturizers before your sleep study.
• Please remove any hair pieces prior to your sleep study, as electrodes will be attached to your scalp.
• Bring an umbrella or raincoat if it is raining. It is important that the medical equipment does not become wet or soiled in any way.

Bring your sleepwear with you to the clinic. Top should either be button down/zippable or have a broad stretchy collar so as to allow access to the chest for the application of ECG (heart monitoring) electrodes. You will not be able to change your clothing after being set up with the equipment; however you can wear pants or an over-shirt on top of the equipment. Many people who intend on driving home with the testing equipment on wear loose shorts and a t-shirt.

On the afternoon of your sleep study you will have a one-hour appointment with a technician who will connect a number of small sensors to your head, chest and legs and instruct you on how to operate the device. All measurements are done in a non-invasive manner. Electrodes are placed on your body to record brain wave activity, muscle tone and leg movements. A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood, and soft, stretchy belts will be placed around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing effort.

Once the electrodes are attached you will be able to return home to sleep (see image below).

In the morning you will be required to remove all the electrodes and sensors and return the device to the Macquarie Respiratory and Sleep Clinic reception before 10am.

You can drive yourself home after the appointment but it is important to reduce unnecessary movement that could dislodge an electrode. If driving yourself home is the only viable option, it can be done but you will need to take great care to avoid dislodging any electrodes prior to the study. We suggest that you bring somebody to the appointment who can drive you home if possible.

Typically 45 minutes to 1 hour.

You will need to return the unit to the same place where you went for your appointment before 10am the following day. You can get someone else to drop the equipment back for you.

Yes. Our sleep physicians are no gap providers. We recommend that you contact your health fund and check your level of cover, excess and/or co-payment requirements for the hospital stay (item 12203, 12204 or 12205 depending on type of study – staff will confirm when booking).

If you are not covered but wish to proceed with a sleep study we can obtain a quote for you from the hospital. You will be required to pay the hospital and doctors fees upfront prior to your study if you don’t have private health cover.

A sleep study involves staying overnight in the sleep laboratory. On the day of your sleep study, the following are important:

Dinner will not be provided. Please have dinner prior to arrival at 7pm. The hospital Café is open until 5pm if required. A light breakfast is provided in the morning.

Bring your Medicare, Health Insurance, Pension/concession, Dept. of Veteran Affairs cards with you.

Take your usual prescribed medications, unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Remember to bring them with you as NO MEDICATIONS ARE KEPT IN THE SLEEP UNIT OR PROVIDED TO PATIENTS.

Keep to your normal routine. This means that if you usually drink tea, coffee or alcohol in the evenings, you should also do so on the night of your study. Also, please follow your normal sleeping routine in the week/s leading up to the sleep study. 

Please have clean hair and shower prior to your study, as this will remove oils and improve the quality of the recordings. Avoid using make-up, hair conditioner, styling products and moisturisers before your sleep study. Remove any hair pieces as electrodes will be attached to your scalp. Men should be cleanly shaved (if you have a beard small areas may need to be shaved by the technician for the electrodes to be attached). 

Bring your sleepwear and toiletries with you, including shampoo/conditioner for use after your sleep study.

Cotton pyjamas or shorts/t-shirt must be worn in the laboratory. Please do not wear polyester or satin nightwear or nightgowns. If you have a favourite pillow, bring it with you. Please do not bring/apply talcum powder.

Admission Time 7:00pm – proceed to Macquarie University Hospital Reception

Once you are settled in, the night technician/nurse will connect a number of small sensors to your head, chest and legs so that they can measure your brain wave activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, leg movements and the amount of oxygen in your blood.

All measurements are done in a non-invasive manner. None of the measurements are painful; however some may be a little uncomfortable. Electrodes are placed on your body to record brain wave activity, muscle tone and leg movements. A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood, and soft, stretchy belts will be placed around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing effort.

Please note: video monitoring is used throughout the study.

The leads will be removed at around 6am the following morning. You are then free to shower, have breakfast and leave the ward by 7.30am.

The study is analysed and then reviewed by one of our Sleep Physicians.

The results are usually ready 10 to 14 days after your sleep study. Please ensure an appointment has been made for you to see your referring doctor to get the results. Patients noted to have severe sleep disordered breathing will be notified immediately. If CPAP treatment is recommended for obstructive sleep apnoea, the Physician will instruct staff to notify you.