Sleep studies are a great way of getting to the root problems that are disrupting your sleep time. They can help your healthcare provider pin-point any potential disorders and create special treatment plans to help you get your sleep pattern back on track.
If you’re thinking of getting a sleep study done, it’s super important to make sure you’re properly prepared for the price tag it comes with!
Make sure you jump into this handy guide to learn how much sleep studies cost, how a sleep study can help you, and lots more.
Understanding Sleep Studies
A sleep study, also called a polysomnography, is designed to reveal any potential sleep disorders that are impacting your rest. They work by rigging you up to a special monitor that records your brain waves and body functions, such as your blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and eye movements. In doing so, doctors can review how your body behaves while you snooze, which helps them pin-point a specific problem.
There are a few different types of sleep studies you can get…
A sleep lab test is the most effective option because it provides round-the-clock monitoring while you snooze. It’s recommended to get a lab sleep study if there are serious problems interfering with your sleep. Your doctor will likely recommend this option if they think it’s needed.
An at-home sleep study lets experts test your sleep in the comfort of your own bed. These tests are only done to detect sleep apnea, so if you have any other underlying issues, you’ll likely need a sleep lab test.
You can even get an online sleep assessment. Many of these tests come in the form of apps that record and track your sleeping, allowing you to identify any unusual sleep patterns. While these tests are less accurate and advanced than other options, they are a good starting point to consider before investing in an expensive study.
How Much Do Sleep Studies Cost?
The average cost of an in-lab sleep study is around $740. Costs of a sleep study can differ depending on what type of patient you are, individual specialist fees, and your state.
If you’re a public hospital patient with Medicare, you won’t be charged anything for a sleep test. If you’re a private hospital patient with Medicare and private health insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $10, while Medicare covers $470, and your insurance handles $260.
What Can A Sleep Study Tell You?
An in-lab sleep study can reveal loads of sleep problems that are impacting your sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.
Sleep apnoea is one of the most common sleep disorders that a sleep study can detect. This condition is a sleep-related breathing disorder. There are a few types of sleep apnoea that affect you in different ways, such as obstructive sleep apnoea and severe obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when muscles in your throat temporarily relax, causing your airway to get blocked.
Obstructive sleep apnoea can trigger relatively harmless things like snoring. But it can also cause serious problems, including oxygen restriction, which can jumpstart your brain’s survival instinct and pull you out of your sleep.
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLM) is another common issue that can be picked up from sleep studies. This is when you unconsciously move around in your sleep, which can lead to restless sleep and, in some severe cases, accidental injury.
Insomnia can also be detected during a sleep study. This condition is when you struggle to fall asleep and sleep through the night without waking up, leading to exhaustion and irritability.
Get A Better Night’s Sleep With Best Pillows Australia
If you’re trying to get a better night’s sleep, you might want to try replacing your old bedding, pillows, and mattress!
Our sleep experts at Best Pillows Australia honestly review all the best-selling bedtime essentials to help people find the perfect match that’s guaranteed to promote a tranquil rest.
From plush, anti-snoring pillows to ergonomic memory foam mattresses, we’ve reviewed hundreds of items suited to every sleeping need and preference.
Discover our transparent reviews and shopping guides today!
FAQs:
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about sleep studies:
How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Need for a Sleep Study?
A minimum of 2 hours sleep time must be recorded in order to gather enough information about your sleep health. However, most sleep physicians will ask you to spend a whole night in a sleep lab in order to understand your sleeping behaviours throughout the night.
This will provide doctors with a solid foundation of data that can be used to diagnose any potential sleep disorders and create a tailored treatment plan accordingly.
Can a Sleep Study Detect Anxiety?
Anxiety on its own can’t be picked up during a sleep study. However, anxiety can impact your sleep and cause sleep disorder problems, like insomnia, which can be detected during a sleep study.
What Not To Do Before a Sleep Study?
Your sleep physician will tell you exactly how to prepare for your sleep study to ensure they get the best possible results and provide a suitable treatment plan that helps you improve your sleep health.
Generally, whether you’re completing a sleep clinic or home sleep test, you should stay clear of any foods or drinks containing alcohol and caffeine before your sleep test, because these can interfere with your sleep cycle and overall sleeping behaviours. You should also avoid any drugs, such as sedatives because these will also impact your natural sleeping behaviours.
How Can I Get A Good Night’s Sleep?
One of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep is achieving comfort in your bed. This includes having a cosy mattress, bedding, and pillows that match your needs and preferences. You should also ensure your sleep space is peaceful and comfortable to help you recharge with no disruptions.
Many people also find a comforting, warm drink, like chamomile tea, and meditation can help promote better sleep.
If you’re trying to get the best night’s sleep possible, head over to Best Pillows Australia to discover leading bedding, mattresses, and pillows.
