A sleep study is an overnight test that measures how your body functions during sleep. It helps identify common sleep disorders including:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
• Snoring and breathing disturbances
• Reduced oxygen levels during sleep
• Interrupted sleep patterns

Many people experiencing snoring, fatigue, headaches or poor sleep quality may benefit from a sleep study.

Many people think snoring is simply a nuisance.

However, persistent or loud snoring can sometimes indicate obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Signs snoring may need investigation include:

• Very loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking during the night
• Waking tired despite a full night's sleep
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness

A sleep study can help determine whether snoring is harmless or part of a sleep disorder.

There are several different types of sleep studies.

The most comprehensive is a Level 1 sleep study, usually performed overnight in a hospital sleep laboratory.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we facilitate Level 2 home sleep studies, which provide detailed overnight monitoring while allowing patients to sleep comfortably in their own bed.

A Level 2 sleep study measures:

• Breathing patterns
• Oxygen levels
• Heart rate
• Sleep disturbances

The results are reviewed by a sleep physician specialist, and the report is sent to your GP.

If certain clinical criteria are met and your GP completes the required referral and documentation, Medicare may cover the cost of a Level 2 home sleep study. 

Without Medicare support, sleep studies can often cost $350 or more depending on the provider.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and the necessary forms are completed by your GP, the sleep study may be bulk billed through Medicare. Our team can guide you through the process and help determine whether you may be eligible.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, sleep studies are arranged in collaboration with your GP and sleep physician specialists.

Your GP remains central to your care. The process typically works as follows:

• You discuss your symptoms with your GP or pharmacist
• A home sleep study is arranged
• The study is analysed by a sleep physician specialist
• A detailed report is sent to your GP
• Your GP reviews the results and discusses treatment options with you

Our pharmacy team also receives the report so we can assist with CPAP trials and ongoing therapy support if required. This team-based approach ensures coordinated care between your GP, sleep specialist and pharmacy.

If sleep apnoea is diagnoses, the most effective treatment is often CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. CPAP machines gently deliver air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. 

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we provide ongoing CPAP support including:

• CPAP machine supply
• Mask fitting and comfort adjustments
• CPAP trials
• Therapy optimisation
• Device checks
• Cleaning and maintenance advice

Our goal is to help patients sleep better and feel more energised during the day.

You may benefit from a sleep study if you answer YES to two (2) or more of the following:

• Loud snoring
• Feeling tired despite a full night's sleep
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth on waking
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Your partner notices breathing pauses during sleep
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes

Patients choose us because we offer:

• Convenient local sleep studies
• Medicare-funded testing for eligible patients
• Collaboration with GPs and sleep physician specialists
• CPAP trials and mask fitting
• Ongoing therapy monitoring and support
• Personalised healthcare advice close to home

Our aim is to help our community sleep better and live healthier.

Sleep Studies in Brunswick East

Patients from Brunswick East, Carlton North, Fitzroy North, Northcote, Clifton Hill and Parkville visit Lygon Everyday Chemist for sleep studies and CPAP support.

Our convenient location makes it easy to investigate poor sleep and access treatment locally.

Is a sleep study done at home?

Yes. Most sleep studies can be completed using a home monitoring device, allowing testing to be done comfortably in your own bed.

Do I need a referral?

Some sleep studies require a GP referral, particularly if Medicare funding is involved.

Is snoring always sleep apnoea?

No. Snoring can occur without sleep apnoea, but loud snoring combined with fatigue or breathing pauses during sleep may indicate the condition.

How common is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is very common. Research suggests up to 1 in 5 adults may have some degree or sleep apnoea, many of whom remain undiagnosed.

Is CPAP difficult to use?

Modern CPAP machines are quiet and comfortable. With proper mask fitting and support, most patients adapt quickly.

References:

American Academy of Sleep Medicine - Clinical Guidelines for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Sleep Health Foundation Australia - www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au

Australian Sleep Association - www.sleep.org.au

Young T, et al. (2002). The occurance of sleep-disordered breathing among middle-aged adults. New England Journal of Medicine.

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