Sleep Study

To help ensure the most accurate results:

• Try to have a normal night's sleep before your appointment.
• Follow your usual daytime routine wherever possible.
• If you normally consume alcohol in the evening, you may continue to do so on the night of your study.
• Please do not drink and drive.

Personal preparation

Nail polish - If you wear very dark nail polish, please remove it from one finger (preferably your index or ring finger). This allows the monitoring equipment to work correctly.

Shaving - Male patients should be clean shaven around the chin and jawline before the study, unless they have a full, established beard. This helps ensure sensors remain securely attached and improves recording quality.

Please arrive at the Admission Department by 6:15 pm.

After checking in:

• Our reception team will complete your admission.
• A sleep technician or nurse will escort you to the Sleep Studies Unit.
• You will be allocated a private room with ensuite facilities.
• Patients arriving within the admission period will be provided with an evening meal.
• A continental breakfast will be served the following morning.
• Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs.

6.15 pm - Arrival
Arrive at the Mater Private Hospital South Brisbane Admission Department.

6.40pm - Welcome and admission to the Sleep Unit
A sleep technician or nurse will:

• Escort you to your room
• Discuss your sleep study and medical history
• Record your height, weight and routine observations
• Take your dinner and breakfast orders

8pm - Sleep Study set-up
The preparation process generally takes around 60 minutes.

During this time:

• Sensors and monitoring equipment will be applied
• Your expected set-up time will be discussed with you
• Staff will consider your usual sleep routine when planning the evening

While we aim to accommodate your normal bedtime where possible, our team cares for several patients each night and exact timing cannot always be guaranteed. Once the set-up is complete, your sleep study will begin.

5.30am - Sleep Study completion
A staff member will wake you and remove the monitoring equipment.

6am - Breakfast and shower
You will be provided with breakfast and may shower before leaving.

7am - Discharge
You will be ready to leave the Sleep Studies Unit.

Following your study:

• Your sleep data will be carefully reviewed and analysed.
• A detailed report will be prepared by the sleep medicine team.
• Results are generally provided to your sleep specialist or referring doctor within 2-3 weeks.
• Your doctor will discuss the findings and any recommended treatment at your follow-up appointment.

Diagnostic Sleep Studies

Diagnostic sleep studies help identify and assess conditions including:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Narcolepsy
• Movement-related sleep disorders
• Neurological sleep disorders

CPAP Trials

For patients diagnosed with sleep apnoea, a CPAP trial helps determine the most effective treatment settings.

During the night, our team will provide mask fitting, support and pressure adjustments to identify the optimal therapy for your needs.

Our Sleep Studies Unit also provides assessment and monitoring for:

• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
• REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD)
• Mandibular Advancement Splint studies
• Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) titration and review
• Supplemental oxygen titration and review
• Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT)
• Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing (MWT)
• Positional therapy studies

What if I can't sleep?
Many people are concerned they won't sleep as well as they do at home. This is completely normal. Even if your sleep feels different or more interrupted than usual, we can often collect enough information to provide a comprehensive assessment.

What if I have additional support needs?
If you have mobility requirements, communication difficulties or other support needs, please let us know before your appointment so we can make appropriate arrangements and ensure you have the best possible experience.