Sleep Testing

Diagnostic/Split Night Polysomnography

A high-quality diagnostic test, you will stay overnight at our clinic (an approved facility). You will arrive in the early evening and remain until 8:00 am the following day. During the recording period a number of physiological measurements are continuously monitored. These include:

Six channel electroencephalogram (EEG)
Two channel electrooculogram (EOG)
Genioglossus electromyogram (EMG)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Nasal and oral Airflow, chest and abdominal respiratory effort, body position, oxygen saturation by oximetry, snore detection and leg movements
Sleep is monitored and recorded via an infrared video monitor.

A qualified sleep physiologist supervises your study throughout the night. Once complete, the study is analysed in 30-second blocks (known as epochs). The study is reviewed by a specialist with training in sleep disorders. A full report is written for the referring specialist and patient’s general practitioner, with a copy sent to you.

Complex Respiratory Study

This is a limited sleep study performed in the home. Recording includes electrocardiogram (ECG), nasal and oral airflow, chest and abdominal respiratory effort, body position, oxygen saturation by oximetry and snore detection. This is used as a screening test for sleep apnea but may also be used to assess adequacy of treatment (e.g. dental splints, a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) generator, or following upper airway surgery performed by an ear, nose and throat surgeon).

For this test, the recording device is set up (on you) in the evening and is returned to us the following morning.

Screening Respiratory Study

This is similar to a Complex Respiratory Study; however it records less information. Recording includes nasal and oral airflow, body position, oxygen saturation by oximetry and snore detection.

For this test, the recording device is set up (on you) in the evening and is returned to us the following morning.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

This test is always performed following an overnight polysomnography study. You will stay in the sleep laboratory a further eight to ten hours throughout the day. Recording includes six channel electroencephalogram (EEG), two channel electrooculogram (EOG), genioglossus electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and snore detection.

There are five nap opportunities attempted at two-hourly intervals during the day. This test is performed as part of the clinical assessment for patients with suspected narcolepsy.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

This test is always performed following an overnight polysomnography. You will stay in the sleep laboratory a further eight hours. Recording includes six channel electroencephalogram (EEG), two channel electrooculogram (EOG), genioglossus electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and snore detection. This test involves staying awake in a dimly lit room during periods of testing.

There are four sessions performed at two-hourly intervals during the day. This test is performed as part of the clinical assessment of an individual’s ability to remain awake when his or her inability to remain awake constitutes a public or personal safety issue.

APAP Pressure Setting Study

This test uses an auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machine to decide your optimal treatment pressure. The APAP machine responds to snoring and obstructive respiratory events. The severity and type of sleep apnea determines whether you are established onto pressure therapy using an APAP.