Sleep Centre Laboratory – Information for Patients

The sleep centre provides a diagnostic and consultative service for the management of adults with sleep disorders, in particular sleep disordered breathing.

All sleep studies are staged and analysed by highly trained sleep scientists and accredited sleep physicians. Additionally, the sleep centre runs CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) clinics which provide technical support to patients beginning CPAP therapy.

This service is available to patients from the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne.

Enquiries:

Telephone: 9594 2900

Information for patients

What is a sleep study?

An overnight study that measures electrical activity of the brain, some specific muscles, the heart, breathing, oxygen levels, snoring, and leg movements
It is used to determine wake and sleep, as well as patterns of breathing and limb movements while a patient is sleeping
To make these measurements a number of electrodes are placed on the patient and although these do not hurt, the electrodes are a little restrictive as they are attached to recording equipment on the wall in the sleep unit.

How do I access this service?

Specialists may refer patients who have, or are suspected of having, a sleep disturbance
Patients having seen a specialist may be referred to the sleep centre for a sleep study.

What is a Diagnostic Sleep Study?

The diagnostic sleep study involves the patient staying in the sleep centre overnight to have their sleep monitored
Monitoring is achieved through a number of wires attached to the patient to identify sleeping and wakefulness, as well as patterns of breathing and movement during sleep.

What is a Therapeutic sleep study (CPAP)

CPAP is the preferred treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS)
The study requires the same monitoring as a diagnostic sleep study
The patient will wear a therapeutic sleep study mask overnight, in addition to the monitoring equipment attached.

What is a Daytime Sleep Study – MSLT / MWT?

Two types of studies are performed during the daytime
The maintenance of wakefulness (MWT) and multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT), are conducted to measure the patients ability to stay awake or propensity to fall asleep during day
These studies are performed following an overnight sleep study, at the request of the patients specialist
The MSLT consists of five nap opportunities performed at two hourly intervals
The initial nap opportunity begins 1.5 to three hours after termination of the overnight study.
Nap opportunities are 20 minutes long and performed in a quiet and darkened room.
The patient will be instructed to lie quietly in a comfortable position, to keep their eyes closed and try to fall asleep
In between the naps the patient must stay out of bed and will be prevented from sleeping.
The MWT consists of four 40 minute trials, performed at two hourly intervals with the test performed in a darkened room with a night light positioned behind the patients head and out of view
The patient will be seated in bed, with their back and head supported
The patient will be instructed to sit still, look directly ahead, and remain awake for as long as possible
In between trials the patient must stay out of bed and will be prevented from sleeping.

How do I access a sleep study?

Your GP may refer you to a sleep specialist if you are having trouble sleeping
Your GP can refer to a list of sleep specialists who consult at rooms within the sleep centre, or choose another specialist who they may be familiar with.

How do I Book a study?

After your specialist refers you to the sleep centre your sleep study booking will be made.
There is wait of approximately six weeks for bookings through the public health system
Bookings for private sleep studies will wait approximately two weeks
You will be sent a letter confirming your appointment day and time, asking you to contact the sleep centre to confirm your intention to attend at the nominated time.

The Sleep Study Timeline

You must arrive at the time specified in your booking confirmation letter, this will be some time between 6 and 7:30pm.
Upon arrival you will be asked to complete some paperwork, before being shown to your room to have the procedure explained
You will be connected to the monitoring equipment and in bed by 9:30pm, though you will not be required to sleep immediately
You will be wakened around 6am the following day and generally be ready to leave the laboratory by 6:30am.

What do I need to bring?

pyjamas, or some form of clothing to sleep in
personal toiletries
Medicare card
pension card
any prescription medication you are currently taking
book, magazines, music (with headphones) which may help you settle (optional)

Where is the Sleep Centre?

Monash Medical Centre:

Level 2, Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton.
Enter via the hospital’s main entrance and proceed towards the cafe and giftshop
continue to the right past the cafe and along the corridor towards the ORANGE lifts
Turn left at the ORANGE lifts
proceed to the right through the GREEN lift lobby
Enter the Sleep Centre through the glass doors

Dandenong Hospital:

enter via the Main entrance on David Street
proceed past the convenience store and sacred space
enter the ‘outpatients department’ on your right

Follow up

Make an appointment with your sleep specialist to discuss your results four weeks following the sleep study.

What is the CPAP clinic?

The CPAP clinic provides technical support to patients beginning CPAP therapy and administers the Monash CPAP Program for pensioners
One clinic each week is dedicated to auto-CPAP titration studies allowing patients to be studied over one week at home, detecting pressure requirements and assessing mask leak
The CPAP clinic is a bulk billing service funded via Medicare
The CPAP clinic is conducted Friday mornings, with a waiting list of at least four weeks for non-urgent appointments
To make an appointment call: 9594 2900