You will only need a referral for a Level 1 or Level 2 Sleep Study which is eligible through Medicare. If you don’t have a referral, don’t worry we can arrange a pre-filled one to be sent to you for your doctor to sign. Alternatively, if you don’t have a doctor we can also help you with that by sending the referral to one of our Online GPs. 

No referral is needed if you are paying the full cost of the sleep study or you are completing the Level 3 Sleep Study.

The study is done over one night. 

After you send back the unit, we'll upload the recorded data to an independent sleep scientist for analysis and then to an independent sleep physician for a formal diagnosis.  Typically, it takes around 14 days for us to receive their report.  We'll schedule a suitable time to talk with you about the diagnosis and the available treatment options as soon as we have your results.

One night is usually sufficient.  In fact, the scientists and physicians don't even require a full night's data.  Even short periods of sleep can help them understand your condition when you lose conscious control.  

If they find the data insufficient, we conduct another study for you at no extra cost.  This unique service is something you won't find elsewhere. Your comfort and success are our priority.

No. The best part about what we do is that you can do everything online, and in the comfort of your own home and bed. The screening process can be done over the phone or even through our website. One of our Care Coordinators will be able to call you to book in your sleep study. From there, everything can be done over the phone and via emails. We even arrange the delivery of the Sleep Study to your door via Australia Post and also provide a return satchel for you to send it back to us in.

As we help people throughout Australia and we are online based, unfortunately you cannot physically visit us.

Home-based sleep studies are effective in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. They provide patients with the convenience of conducting the sleep study in their own bed in their own environment so they tend to sleep better. This means a more typical night's sleep is recorded, leading to a truer diagnosis. Home-based studies may not be suitable for diagnosing all types of sleep disorders. Conditions that require more extensive monitoring, such as complex sleep-related movement disorders or certain neurological conditions, may still need to be done in a clinical setting. We can help you arrange this level of testing if required. 

We offer both the Level 2 and Level 3 sleep studies. If you need a Level 1 sleep study, we can help you find a provider who does this type of testing.

The Level 2 Sleep Study is a portable and simplified polysomnogram device (similar to what is in a clinic) designed for home use aimed to balance the need for comprehensive data collection with your convenience and comfort.

Small sensors, electrodes, and belts are attached to various parts of the body to monitor different physiological parameters. You will be guided on how to attach these sensors to your body but typically they are placed on your chest and waist, on the scalp, around the eyes and the chin and also around the nose. 

All the sensors are connected to a monitoring device, which records the data throughout the night. This equipment allows sleep technologists to observe and analyse the patient's sleep patterns and identify any abnormalities. 

The level 2 sleep study is specifically for the diagnosis of Sleep Apnea, does require a referral and is approved by Medicare for rebate purposes. It is accepted by Private Health for treatment purposes. 

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The Level 3 Sleep Study is a non-invasive and convenient way to evaluate sleep quality and identify any potential sleep apnea issues. It involves using a special sensor, which is worn on the finger and records up to 6 channels of data, including heart rate, heart rate variability, fluctuations in blood flow, respiration, blood oxygen levels, and sleep stages based on movement.

The ring is connected to a Smartphone app which automatically uploads the data to Medical Software which it is analysed and the report is generated including information on sleep quality, if Sleep Apnea is present,  the type and severity of the apnea, as well as oxygen levels.

Whilst the Level 3 Sleep Study records and reports differently to the Level 1 and Level 2 Sleep Studies, the results are comparable in detecting Sleep Apnea with the essential data reported.

A Level 3 Sleep Study is cost effective and does not require a referral from the doctor as it is not covered by Medicare. It is also not recognised by Private Health for treatment rebates. 

It is important to note that both the Level 2 and Level 3 Sleep Studies are useful and comprehensive tools for diagnosing Sleep Apnea, but if you have complicated health needs or there potentially could be more than just sleep apnea then an in clinic sleep study would possibly be more appropriate. If you are unsure please check with your GP about the suitability of a home based sleep study based on your individual and specific needs. 

Absolutely. It is important that you experience your most normal night wherever possible. The equipment is attached to you so you are able to go to the toilet and do what you normally would.

There are many clinics who will not give you the opportunity to redo the sleep study but we’re different in that way. Our goal is to make sure you have an answer to your sleep issues so if something happens for an unknown reason we will arrange another sleep study for you at no cost to you.

Many people feel that way, especially if they are experiencing insomnia symptoms. As long as the device is recording for over 10 hours and you have a minimum of 4 hours sleep that will be sufficient for information to be gathered about what is happening with your airway when you sleep.

We do provide step by step instructions both in video and written format. One of our Senior Sleep Therapists will also be standby in the evening to help you via phone if you need anything. If you do need a little support, we do encourage partners or family members to help with the set up, which can be a lovely bonding moment. Otherwise it is very much dependent on your confidence levels. If you are unsure or feel anxious it is okay. It may be better to find a clinic which can put the equipment on for you.

There is no need for a preliminary visit to a sleep physician unless there are special circumstances, or if you want to. We provide a free screening process to determine your sleep apnea risk and if you qualify, the choice to have the sleep study is all yours. The data for the Level 2 home-based sleep study is assessed by both an independent Sleep Scientist and a specialist Sleep and Respiratory Physician so you can be assured about your diagnosis.

Patients under the age of 18 need specific equipment and instructions tailored to the child’s individual needs which unfortunately cannot be done in a home environment.

It is recommended for paediatric patients to complete a sleep study in a sleep clinic or hospital setting. If your child is experiencing sleep-related issues or concerns, it's best to seek advice from a paediatrician or a sleep specialist. They can assess the situation, determine if a sleep study is necessary, and provide appropriate guidance on how to proceed.

While home-based sleep studies are convenient and can be valuable for the initial diagnosis of OSA they are not typically used for assessing the efficiency of the machine in treating the OSA. This is usually done in a hospital or clinical setting so that the study can be completed alongside with the pap machine. This then ensures that the pressure settings are optimised to effectively manage the sleep apnea. This is typically the case when it is a fixed pressure machine. It is not necessary for an automatic machine.

The total cost  of home-based diagnostic sleep studies varies based on your location and the sleep study setup.  Everything is done in your home, without you needing to leave it.  We've got all aspects covered for your convenience.  

Feel free to give us a call for an accurate quote.  We're here to help! 

It really depends on your eligibility.  If you qualify, you can get a Medicare rebate.  We offer a free sleep disorder screening test to determine your eligibility.  It's completely free and there's no obligation.

If you're not eligible, you can choose to have a home sleep study as a private patient, in which case you will need to cover the full cost. Alternatively, the Level 3 sleep study is a cost effective alternative for those who are not Medicare eligible.

Private health insurance does not contribute if Medicare is paying a rebate. Some insurers pay a rebate if there is no Medicare contribution.  Please check this with your provider.

No, much of the cost of a home-based sleep study is based on the administrative and logistic costs of providing the service.  Sleep Clinic Services is a private practice so bulk billing is not available, but we will endeavour to get you all applicable Medicare rebates.

While CPAP machines are common, they're not the only option. Depending on your specific situation, treatments like oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes (like weight loss or changing sleep positions), or even certain surgical procedures. We tailor our treatment plans to fit your individual needs.

There are a range of treatment options available for those who are diagnosed with sleep apnea. Our Sleep Therapists would be happy to guide you through those in your consultation once we receive your report.

Modern CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, commonly used for sleep apnea, are designed to be extremely quiet.  Manufacturers have made significant strides in reducing noise levels to30 decibels or lower - comparable to a whisper.

Machine models differ in noise levels, so consulting healthcare providers or user reviews is wise.  Some machines have "ramp" settings, starting softly and gradually increasing air pressure for a smoother adjustment.

If you're frequently waking up tired despite a full night's sleep, snoring loudly, or experiencing pauses in breathing while sleeping (your partner might notice this one), these could be signs of sleep apnea. Other clues include excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, nocturia, or feeling irritable. Remember, these are just indicators, and a proper diagnosis is key. You can also take our quick and easy online risk assessment.

Sleep apnea's impact on health is extensive:

• Cardiovascular System:  It strains the heart, raising blood pressure and heart disease risk due to oxygen drops and blood pressure surges.
• Brain Function:  Cognitive function suffers, leading to memory problems, impaired decision-making, and potential dementia development.
• Metabolism:  Hormonal imbalances increase diabetes risk and weight gain by affecting insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
• Mood and Mental Health:  It can cause depression, anxiety, irritability, and daytime sleepiness, affecting overall mood and quality of life.
• Daytime Functioning:  Excessive sleepiness impairs daily tasks, work, concentration, and can cause accidents and reduced productivity.
• Respiratory System:  Apnea worsens asthma and COPD, exacerbating symptoms in those with existing respiratory issues.
• Liver Function:  OSA is strongly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, potentially leading to severe liver conditions if untreated.
• Immune System:  Disrupted sleep weakens immunity, making the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
• Quality of Life:  Chronic fatigue, low energy, and impaired physical and mental health significantly reduce overall quality of life.

Health is wealth - early diagnosis and effective treatment are really important when it comes to sleep apnea.  So don’t hesitate to get the help you deserve!

Sleep apnea is a condition characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. There are three main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a blockage of the airway. Symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue. OSA can have serious health implications if left untreated, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) involves the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to periods of interrupted breathing. It's less common than OSA and often linked to other medical conditions, like heart failure or stroke.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is when someone has both OSA and CSA simultaneously.

While all forms of sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, OSA is often considered the most severe due to its prevalence and the extensive range of health issues it can cause if not adequately treated. 

It’s important to remember that sleep apnea can't be self-diagnosed, because the sufferer is always asleep when it happens.  If you suspect sleep apnea, reach out for a proper diagnosis and guidance on suitable treatments.

Snoring isn't just an annoying sound; it's a loud, clear sign that your breathing is disrupted - so it shouldn’t be ignored. 

When you snore, the soft tissues in your throat relax too much, partially blocking your airway.  The snoring noise happens when air moves past these relaxed tissues, making them vibrate as you breathe in and out.  Persistent, loud snoring is also the leading symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, staying at a healthy weight, and staying hydrated can help reduce  snoring.  There are also options like using a higher pillow, nasal dilators, body positioners to prevent you sleeping on your back, and a variety of oral appliances that can make a difference. 

Nocturia is defined as the need for patients to get up at night on a regular basis to urinate. Nocturia is often described as the most bothersome of all urinary symptoms and is also one of the most common.

Treating sleep apnea effectively can reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom and enhance your overall sleep quality.