I can't say enough great things about Chris from Home Sleep! He truly went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed for my sleep study. On a Friday night at 8 PM, when most people are winding down for the weekend, Chris took time out of his evening to come to my home and set everything up. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that Chris is not only extremely knowledgeable but also incredibly down-to-earth and professional. He explained the entire process with such clarity and patience, making sure I was completely comfortable and informed. His dedication to his work and his clients is truly commendable. But Chris’s exceptional service didn’t stop there. During the follow-up appointment, he went into great detail, walking me through the results of the study. His thorough explanation was incredibly reassuring, and the advice he provided was insightful and practical. It’s evident that Chris genuinely cares about his clients and their well-being, and his commitment to offering outstanding service shone through every step of the way. If you’re in need of a sleep study, you’re in the best hands with Chris and his team. Highly recommended!
About Sleep
Do I need a sleep study?
Valid reasons and indications for a sleep study may include any of the following:
- Snoring which disturbs your bed-partner (or neighbours!)
- Always tired
- Falling asleep whilst driving
- Disturbed sleep
- Going to the bathroom during the night
- Waking up tired
- Waking up with a headache
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- High blood pressure (or on medication)
- Depressed (or on medication such as Zoloft)
- Sexual dysfunction (or on medication such as Viagra)
- Thick, short neck (> 42 cms in men, > 38 cm women)
- BMI > 30 kg/cm although about 10% of people with sleep apnea are “skinny” – they just have narrow airways.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you may have sleep apnea which can be easily and quickly treated. The first step is to complete and send us the online Request Form.
Home Sleep Study Benefits Compared to Hospital Sleep Studies
Benefits to patients
- Independent diagnosis
- Independent assessment of treatment
- Sleep study in the comfort of your own home
- No hospital bed fees
- Freedom of movement
- Move around and resume most daily activities while wired up
- Go to the bathroom at any time during the night without assistance
- Roll over in bed easily
- FAST! Results are available the next day. Full doctors report within one week.
- Treatment can start the next day.
- No private health cover required
- No GP referral required (this is provided as part of the service)
- Sleep study reported by experienced Sleep Scientists and Sleep Physicians based in Australia
Benefits to GPs, dentists, ENT surgeons and other doctors
- Direct request for a sleep study
- Fast turnaround time – sleep study reported by a Sleep Scientist and Sleep Physician usually within 10 working days
- No capital outlay required for equipment – the sleep monitoring system is on permanent loan (as long as it is used frequently)
- Staff training provided and assistance in finding staff if required
Benefits to Sleep Physicians
- See patients who are more educated and have already tried simple treatments
- Propose a treatment plan at the first consultation with the benefit of facts from a full diagnostic PSG sleep study report
- Provide a more efficient, lower cost sleep diagnostic and treatment service to a greater number of patients
Benefits to Private Health Funds, Hospitals and Governments
- Frees up bed spaces
- Less than half total cost of diagnosing and treating sleep disorders
- Early detection and treatment minimizes chances of patient’s developing more costly health complications such as high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
There is a small out-of-pocket fee. For Melbourne patients, the cost is $200 which includes the GP referral and one home visit in the evening to set you up. Otherwise, pls contact the clinic nearest to you. Home Sleep Studies Australia uses the latest Level 2 portable sleep technology which qualifies for Medicare funding.
What will a sleep study tell me?
The most important result is a measure of your sleep disturbance. The cause of most sleep disturbances is identified by measuring breathing, leg and jaw movements.
Sleep disturbance is reported as the Arousal Index, which is the number of times you wake up per hour of sleep. Most of these awakenings are too short to remember (only 3 to 10 seconds in duration – you usually only remember being awake if it lasts more than 5 minutes) and it is normal to wake up to 5 times per hour. Waking 5 to 15 times is considered mild disruption, while waking more than 15 times per hour definitely indicates a sleeping problem that requires urgent intervening treatment. The sleep study also reports how many times you stop breathing or have reduced breathing per hour (AHI – Apnea Hypopnoea Index or RDI – Respiratory Disturbance Index) and how many times your legs twitch per hour (PLMI – Periodic Limb Movement Index).
What treatments are available?
Depends on the diagnosis. Many people with sleeping problems have a combination of up to 88 different sleep disorders as defined by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD). That is why a full sleep study is so important.
For example:
– If the sleep study shows only mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and your partner wants some relief from your snoring, then a mandibular advancement splint is your best option. These need to be fitted by a specially trained dentist and made from a dental impression.
– If the sleep study shows moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and you suffer from significant symptoms such as tiredness, headaches or high blood pressure, you should start using CPAP immediately.
– If you are diagnosed with Periodic Limb Movements Syndrome (PLM Index > 5) or Restless Leg Syndrome, the doctor may prescribe central nervous system depressants, stress the importance of avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, check for iron deficiency and sleep as cool as possible. Simple treatments include relaxation in the hours prior to sleep and high doses of magnesium supplementation.
Can my GP request the sleep study directly?
YES.Please click here for a request form for the GP to sign.
What is the waiting time to have a sleep study?
Usually 1 to 2 weeks or a day or two if urgent. Results are available the next day from CPAP Direct, 15/1253 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham. Treatment with CPAP is available immediately for obvious cases of obstructive sleep apnea, especially with significant symptoms such as falling asleep driving.
Can it be done in my home?
YES.
We come to your home in the evening, any night of the week between 8 and 10pm. Takes 30mins to put the mobile-phone size sleep monitor over your t-shirt and go through a quality check to make sure everything is working. We just need access to a kitchen benchtop – no need to go into your bedroom.
Does it include audio-video?
YES (optional only by special request).
A special IR night-vision camera is available for sleep-walking or suspected REM Movement Behaviour Disorder, which can cause someone to act out their dreams and be violent to their partner. However, we usually focus on diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea first which can be a trigger to these episodes.
Does it include leg movements?
YES (optional only).
Leg movements are important for the diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome, especially in the absence of obvious obstructive sleep apnea symptoms such as snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. About 25% of insomnia can be caused by a physical problem such as obstructive sleep apnea or periodic leg movement syndrome.
Does it include jaw movement?
YES.
Did you know 95% of people grind or clench their teeth at some point in their lives? Has your dentist noticed any cracks in your teeth or excessive wear? Home Sleep Studies Australia specialises in diagnosing bruxism or teeth grinding.
Testimonials
A couple of months ago, I stumbled into the Home Sleep office on a Saturday with no appointment, desperate for help with my sleep. Chris welcomed me and looked after me on the spot. The in-home sleep test was great, Chris came over to the apartment in the evening and set me up with the equipment and explained everything. I was able to sleep the night in my own bed instead of an uncomfortable clinic. The next day I went to the Home Sleep office for the results - they showed severe sleep apnoea with my blood oxygen dipping to as low as 71% during the night. Chris explained all the options and I went home with a new cpap machine which has totally changed my life. It is easy and comfortable to use and I now go to bed every night unstressed, looking forward to a good, proper sleep. Both Chris and Hayden have been great. They have regularly been in touch to send me updates and check in with me. Highly recommended if you need quick and personalised care. If you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, don't waste any time and seek care as soon as possible.
Iain Sands
I had the best experience with Home Sleep, who I rented a CPAP machine from. I received a follow-up call after a couple of days, which was really helpful. Then at the end of the trial met with Sudeep Singh. He was so helpful and kind and gave great advice. Thank you Home Sleep.
Andrenamatthewsj
Such an amazing experience with Chris at HomeSleep. I was booked in somewhere else that required me to be hooked up at 3pm. He came to my home and hooked me up just before bed and had a full report 12 hours later. Also sat down and talked me through all the analysis so I really understood it all. I'll be recommending Chris and the team. Slightly more expensive than some other providers but well worth it for the convenience and experience.
Elizabeth Cashen
11 months ago I've been experiencing severe snoring and increasing fatigue for the past 6 months. I did a sleep study with Chris. He was super helpful with describing and showing me a range of options to help with my situation. I ended up purchasing the ResMed Mini Air. Chris set up up the device for me and it was ready to use that night! The main thing I noticed was that after a couple of minutes from once I woke up, the sleepiness washed away and felt ready to take on the day much more full of energy. Thanks Chris.
Jason Van Achteren
I knew I snored but I did not know the extent of my condition. I was delighted to hear that Home Sleep offered a comprehensive sleep test from the comfort of your own home. I couldn't find anyone else in Melbourne that offered this service. It was confronting to be diagnosed with sleep apnea but Chris and his team were so helpful and reassuring with a plan. The customer service from start to follow up with my CPAP device could not be faulted. Thank you all so much. I felt better within a few days with more energy and much better quality of sleep.
Sue Sestan
My Christmas present came in early in the form of a good night's sleep, thanks to Chris and the team at Home Sleep. At first, I was slightly embarrassed to be seeking their service, but Chris had created a judgment-free environment from the first appointment! There's nothing shameful about seeking help, especially regarding your sleep. The customer service from start to follow-up with my CPAP device could not be faulted. I adjusted to my CPAP the very first night.. a major indicator of just how much I needed it. Chris wasn't lying when he said that it was an overnight transformation.