Are you thinking about getting a sleep study in Perth but scared about having someone watch you while you sleep? Or maybe you’re just not that keen on sleeping in a different bed? Often, we get asked about where you have to go to perform a sleep study.
The answer really depends on you and your situation.
There are multiple types of sleep studies in Perth that can be used but here are the most common.
This test involves an overnight stay in a hospital or sleep clinic which tests for most types of non-respiratory and respiratory sleep disorders. The clinical environment ensures high-quality data collection. This form of testing is the most comprehensive and considered the ‘gold standard’ in sleep apnea testing.
Level 1 Sleep Studies monitors various physiological parameters such as:
brain activity (EEG);
eye movements (EOG);
muscle activity (EMG);
electrocardiogram (ECG);
respiratory effort;
body position;
sound;
digital video;
airflow; and
oxygen saturation (SPO2)
Level 1 tests are referral only and can be bulk-billed.
This test is often the preferred test for patients as it allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home. Similar to a Level 1 Sleep Test. A Level 2 sleep test is also by referral only. This tests for the same respiratory sleep disorders but does not include manual observation, and is unlikely to involve video and audio monitoring. A Level 2 Sleep test records a minimum of seven channels including but not limited to:
Brain activity (EEG);
Eye movements (EOG);
Chin muscle activity (EMG);
Electrocardiogram (ECG);
Respiratory effort;
Airflow; and
Oxygen saturation (SPO2)
Level 2 sleep studies are widely regarded as the more practical and cost-effective option compared to Level1, while still offering substantial data to diagnose sleep disorders. Level 2 studies have good diagnostic accuracy and are an alternative to a type 1 study in selected patients while being bulk-billed.
A Level 3 sleep study test is also performed in the comfort of your own home. The testing kit usually records at least four variables including:
Airflow;
Respiratory effort;
Head or body position;
Jaw movement;
Sound;
Blood oxygen levels; and
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A Level 3 sleep study primarily tests for respiratory sleep disorders such as types of sleep apnoea and are the most common at home tests which do not require a referral from your doctor and are not bulk billed.
Depending on the test that your doctor prescribes will dictate where you do a sleep study. If you have concerns about performing a test in a clinical environment it’s important to speak to your GP and discuss if doing an at home study for you.
If you are thinking of investigating your sleep and whether or not you have sleep apnea, Sleep Life Australia are Perth’s leading sleep clinic who services thousands of West Australians like you. We have clinics all across the state and are able to perform sleep testing from the comfort of your own home. Click here to book your test today.