How Much is a Sleep Study in Australia, and Can I Bulk Bill It?

How can a sleep study help a person with sleep apnea? Read more to learn how and book your at-home sleep apnea test today!

January 5, 2023

As industry leaders in the sleep apnea space within Australia, we thought we would put together an article that includes all the information about partaking in a sleep study within Australia. We discuss the costs, what’s involved, and how to book.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is a noninvasive examination used by medical professionals to diagnose and manage sleep disorders. These studies are typically conducted either overnight at hospitals or sleep laboratories, or they can be administered in the comfort of your home with a portable sleep monitor. If you’ve been struggling to treat sleep disorders, understanding a sleep study might be the first step towards a solution.

Components of a Sleep Study

During a sleep study, various factors are monitored to gain insights into your sleep patterns and potential disorders. These components include:

Monitoring Vital Signs and Breathing Patterns: Doctors closely observe your vital signs and breathing patterns, which may reveal issues like gasping or momentary pauses in breathing associated with conditions like sleep apnea.

EEG Monitoring for Brain Waves: An EEG (Electroencephalography) monitor is utilised to track your brain’s electrical activity through electrodes placed on your scalp. This method captures the brain cells’ communication through electrical impulses, represented as wavy lines in the recording.

Diagnosing Sleep Disorders

A well-conducted sleep study can detect problems that might otherwise go unnoticed during regular doctor visits. The collected data helps doctors identify sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, with greater accuracy. Sleep apnea testing is particularly beneficial for those who suspect they might have this condition but haven’t been diagnosed yet. A subsequent analysis of the sleep study results enables your doctor to recommend suitable treatment options.

These treatments may include:

Lifestyle and Sleep Adjustments: Implementing changes to your daily routine or sleep environment.
Medication: Prescribing appropriate medications to address sleep-related issues.
CPAP Treatment: The most popular treatment for sleep apnea, involving the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

By harnessing the information from a sleep study, your medical team can tailor treatment recommendations to your specific needs, improving your overall sleep quality and contributing to your overall wellbeing.

Woman sleeping using a CPAP Machine - NSW CPAP

Why is it important?

If you’re experiencing poor sleep, restless mornings, and a persistent sense of haziness, undergoing a sleep study can offer profound insights into your sleep patterns. These studies play a crucial role in uncovering what transpires during your sleep, shedding light on potential issues that might hinder a restorative night’s rest. It’s essential to address these concerns, especially since untreated sleep apnea can lead to more severe health issues.

Detecting Sleep Disorders

One prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder is obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep studies are indispensable for diagnosing this condition, providing a reliable means to identify its presence. Addressing sleep apnea promptly is vital, as untreated cases can lead to escalating health complications. Swift diagnosis can mitigate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure that often accompany sleep disorders.

Multiple Benefits of Sleep Studies

Participating in a sleep study offers a wide array of advantages, encompassing both physical and mental wellbeing. By uncovering underlying issues that may have long disturbed your sleep, these studies pave the way for effective treatments, leading to the restoration of your sleep quality and overall vitality.

This revitalisation of your sleep pattern can result in:

Increased Energy Levels: Enjoy a renewed sense of vigor and alertness throughout your day.
Enhanced Mood: Experience improved emotional wellbeing and reduced irritability.
Cognitive Clarity: Sharpened cognitive function and better focus and concentration.
Reduced Health Risks: Addressing sleep disorders promptly can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
General Wellbeing: Achieve an overall sense of better health and quality of life.
Improved Day-to-Day Performance: Perform better in daily tasks and activities.

Woman can't sleep due to sleep apnea - NSW CPAP

How much does a sleep study cost?

On average, sleep studies cost between $500 to $1000 in a hospital or sleep laboratory. If you have a valid Medicare card, you may be eligible to receive partial or full coverage for a sleep study. This includes the cost of an overnight stay and equipment usage.

Costs will vary depending on the location you choose. The price will also depend on how long the intended study will take and if you have health insurance.

What are the price differences between lab and at home?

Sleep studies performed at home are more affordable, costing between $149 and $400. Some medical insurance policies may also cover them.

The price difference varies but take the top cost of $1000 at a lab and the top cost of $400 for at-home testing, and there is a difference of $600.

Where do I find bulk billed sleep studies?

Bulk-billed services are available around Australia—as each clinic and hospital differs, it’s wise to enquire with the staff to ensure their service is bulk billed. In addition, some clinics may have different eligibility requirements, so it’s essential to ensure you have all of the information upfront.

Usually, bulk-billed sleep study eligibility requires a doctor’s referral and proof that you are at a high risk of sleep apnea. In addition, Medicare will provide you with a questionnaire to evaluate this risk.

Why should I use home sleep tests?

By opting for an at-home sleep test, you will have the added comfort of being in your home environment—which may provide you with a better night’s sleep. Some people prefer to take an at-home sleep test to eliminate the anxiety of visiting a sleep clinic.

On top of this, you can repeat a home sleep apnea test if you have any trouble falling asleep or the results aren’t as accurate as they could be. To identify obstructive sleep apnea, it’s generally recommended that you sleep for at least 6 hours to monitor oxygen levels and breathing patterns. However, many sleep tests can provide results with less recorded sleep than this.

The wait time is another benefit; home tests are very speedy. You can simply order them online and then have the test shipped to your home address. The test itself is easy to do, and the results are fast.

At NSW CPAP, our home sleep study also comes with a personalised sleep report that’s generated and available on a phone App within 48 hours for fast and reliable results.

How to get started

Order an at-home test today without a doctor’s referral! Our at-home sleep test is designed to sit on your chin. There is no messy wiring involved. This device can detect respiratory events and diagnose sleep apnea with just one night of use.

We know how important it is to speak to a sleep specialist in person. Managing sleep apnea and finding the right sleep apnea treatment for you can be confusing and overwhelming at first. That’s why our team of experts are available to talk to you over the phone or in-store—give us a call at 1300 414 190 or visit one of our stores today!