Adult Sleep Assessment & Sleep Studies at Mediclinic

Good sleep habits (sleep hygiene) are recommended as part of the management of most sleep disorders and in particular for insomnia. These include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule
• Optimising the sleep environment (dark, quiet, cool)
• Avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the hours before bedtime
• Engaging in regular physical activity (but not immediately before bed)
• Adequate daytime light exposure where possible
• Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine

Adults presenting with sleep-related concerns are first evaluated by a specialist to understand symptoms, medical history and risk factors.

The assessment may include:

• a detailed review of sleep-related symptoms
• evaluation of contributing medical and lifestyle factors
• use of validated screening questionnaires to help stratify risk

Based on this assessment, the specialist determines whether further investigation is required, and if so, the most appropriate type of sleep study.
Not all patients assessed at the Sleep Clinic will require a sleep study.

Adults may benefit from specialist evaluation if they experience persistent or concerning sleep-related symptoms, particularly when these affect daily functioning or are associated with medical risk factors.

Common symptoms that warrant medical review include:

• Loud or habitual snoring
• Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking at night
• Non-restorative or poor-quality sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Poor concentration, memory issues or reduced work performance
• Mood changes, irritability or low motivation

Sleep disorders often coexist. For example, conditions such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder or narcolepsy may occur alongside obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A comprehensive clinical assessment is therefore essential to guide appropriate care.

Specialists may use validated screening questionnaires as part of the clinical assessment to help stratify risk and guide decision making. Tools such as the STOP-BANG questionnaire are commonly used in adults to assess the likelihood of sleep-related breathing disorders (sleep apnoea) and to differentiate these from behavioural or lifestyle-related sleep issues. Screening tools are used to support clinical judgement and do not replace specialist assessment.

A sleep study is a diagnostic investigation performed only when clinically indicated following specialist evaluation.

Depending on individual risk factors and symptoms, a sleep study may involve an overnight assessment in a sleep laboratory, during which parameters such as:

• breathing patterns
• oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
• heart rate and rhythm
• body movements
• sleep stages

are monitored to support accurate diagnosis and management planning.

A sleep study may be recommended to:

• Confirm or exclude a suspected sleep-related breathing disorder (sleep apnoea)
• Assess severity and guide treatment decisions
• Evaluate persistent symptoms despite initial management
• Review or optimise treatment in patients with an established sleep disorder
• This targeted approach ensures investigations and treatment are appropriate, ethical and tailored to individual clinical need.

If you suspect you may benefit from a sleep study, book an appointment with one of our specialists – call 800 2033 or download the Mediclinic app from the App Store or Google Play.

If a sleep study is advised, the sleep technologist will take you to the sleep laboratory to get settled and will explain the sleep study in more detail. This is a chance for you to ask any questions you may have. Please inform the sleep technologist if you have any allergies (e.g. to latex or tapes) or have other devices fitted (e.g. a pacemaker).

During preparation for sleep, the following may be applied:

• ECG electrodes to measure heart rhythm
• leg electrodes to monitor movements
• sensors to record oxygen levels and heart rate
• breathing bands placed around the chest
• sensors to monitor sleeping position and snoring
• nasal airflow monitoring
• sensors to measure carbon dioxide levels
• electrodes to assess eye movement, muscle tone, and sleep stages

A video and audio recording of sleep may also be made.

TV and personal devices may be used during setup. Once sensors are attached, electronic use is discontinued and you will sleep in a monitored environment with full-length side rails.

• Comfortable sleepwear, such as a pair of pyjamas. No one-piece or footed pyjamas are permitted.
• Any ventilators that are usually used while at home (for example, CPAP or BiPAP machines). Bring all equipment (ventilator, masks, tubing etc.)
• Any regular medication, unless directed otherwise by your physician.

The sleep study requires a one-night stay in hospital. You will be informed in advance if it is likely to be any longer (for example, if the minimum of six hours total sleep time is not met, or if the optimal pressure is not yet obtained for patients on CPAP or BiPAP titration).

Sleep studies are painless and involve no needles. All monitoring is external.