Sleep studies are tests that allow your specialist to look at your sleep and breathing during the night. In Western Sydney, sleep studies involve an overnight stay in the WSIRC, also known as the Sleep Disorder Laboratory.
At the sleep study:
Sleep study timings are confirmed at the time of booking. Patients usually arrive at 6pm and leave by 7am. A light breakfast is provided before you leave.
If you think you need a sleep study, speak to you GP (doctor) about your concerns. Your GP can then arrange a referral to a sleep specialist who can refer you to have an overnight sleep test.
To ensure the test provides useful and accurate information, you will need to follow your 'normal' sleep routine for several days before your sleep study appointment. For more information or to book an appointment call (02) 8890 6042
If you have had:
Learn more CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure and BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) support devices. You can also read our nasal CPAP information sheet.
After your sleep study, the final results will be sent to your sleep specialist, within 4 weeks. Book an appointment to see your specialist to discuss the results of your tests and treatment options.
Ideally, you should start your treatment before your appointment, especially if your specialist has said your sleep apnoea is severe.
Patients may be eligible to receive a CPAP machine from EnableNSW, if they:
You will also need to buy your mask and tubing, which can cost between $240 to $320, depending on your mask type. If you already have a machine provided by PADP, SHORES or EnableNSW you can contact EnableNSW for repairs or replacements as needed.
| Option | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rent a CPAP machine | The outlet where you purchase your mask can rent you a CPAP machine and provide a usage history report, which you can use as evidence for your application to EnableNSW. |
| Request for a compliance trial | If cannot arrange a machine before you see your specialist and your specialist decides you meet the clinical criteria, they can arrange a compliance trial with a sleep laboratory loan machine. Note: If you are booked in for a compliance trial you MUST buy your mask and tubing before your first appointment. |
Once you have submitted your application, it can take a few months to process. You can call 1800 362 253 to check on your application's progress.
You can learn more about your CPAP machine by reading our nasal CPAP information sheet. If you have any problems with the treatment, call (02) 8890 6042 and book an appointment to see a CPAP therapist. Appointment times are available on Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons.
Our CPAP clinics are held in Ward B5c, located at the other end of the corridor to the Sleep Disorders Laboratory in Westmead Hospital. Please check in with at the main desk on arrival.
The Sleep Disorder Laboratory, also known as the Westmead Sleep Investigation and Research Centre (WSIRC), research sleep disorders. If you are interested in taking part in a research project, call (02) 8890 7883 or 0429 359 532 and leave a message.
A sleep study can help patients who have obstructive sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder described by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to the collapse of the upper airway.
People with OSA may report many symptoms, including:
| Linked increased risks of OSA | Factors that make OSA worse |
|---|---|
Strongly linked to increased risk of:
| OSA is made worse by:
|
Mild cases of OSA can be treated cautiously by:
For more severe forms of OSA, you will need to use a CPAP machine. Read our nasal CPAP information sheet and learn more about respiratory and sleep medicine in Western Sydney.
