What is a Sleep Study
Sleep study, or more technically known as polysomnography, is a test that is done to analyze sleeping behavioral patterns for those with snoring problems. Aside from snoring, this procedure is done to study and analyze other sleep-related health conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, REM, sleep walking, and more. While some of the aforementioned disorders can be diagnosed with a simple doctor’s visit, some sleep doctors would recommend further analysis of symptoms that only a sleep study can provide.
A sleep study is a type of overnight exam that is non-invasive and can be done in a sleep clinic. When you enter into a sleep lab for an overnight stay, you will be attached to an EEG monitor. The goal is to gather data about the activity of your brain and body while it is under the sleep state. Aside from gathering data, the goal is to identify any possible disruptions to your sleep patterns so a cure can be recommended.
The study is conducted in a room that is designed to be conducive for sleeping. While you sleep, a technologist will monitor data shown on a computer that is being transmitted through sensors or electrodes attached to your body. The technologist sends the collected data for analysis with the help of a sleep doctor. The entire diagnosis can be completed within two weeks or so. Once the analysis is completed,
Sleep study is a fast growing treatment in Australia. Snoring has always been a common problem and this particular approach to diagnosis and treatment has provided answers to those who are suffering from this condition. If you had been recommended to undergo sleep study by your doctor, make sure to check the prices beforehand so you know how much to shell out for this procedure.
On average, the cost of a sleep study in Australia is approximately $500. This might differ based on a number of factors such as the sleep clinic, the location, and other conditions that are being assessed during the sleep study. Medicare can cover a percentage of this cost but you will certainly expect to pay a certain amount of your own pocket. Medicare coverage is applicable for in-home and in-center sleep studies. If you have a second insurance coverage, you can also inquire if they can cover a percentage of the remainder of your sleep study fees.
Why do Australians Need a Sleep Study?
In Australia, there is a rapid increase in availability of sleep clinics that can provide overnight sleep studies for the qualified candidate. This abundance of options is certainly a good thing but could also signal an alarming matter: in order for supply to rise, there should be a growth in demand, too.
Sleep study is becoming more in demand in Australia as there is a rising number of individuals with sleeping or snoring problems. This particular procedure is one of the best ways to address these problems to obtain proper diagnosis and recommend treatment.
According to YouGov, one in three Australians are not getting enough sleep. It has been said time and again that adults need 7-8 hours of sleep to function efficiently during the day. However, most Australians get only 4-6 hours of sleep on average. A more important data is that 10% of those who sleep only for 4-6 hours is that they take more than an hour to enter into a full sleep state. And it is not just about falling into sleep – staying asleep throughout the night is also a crucial factor. Only one in seven Australians are able to sleep through the night with some even waking up 5 times in the middle of the night. The more disruptions to your sleep, the lower the overall quality of your sleep.
The demand for a sleep study is not just about the statistics above – snoring is also an alarming issue in Australia. Loud snoring is a common complaint of those who are snorers, or those with family members who snore. According to Dr Terry Sands, a sleep specialist for 25 years in the Illawarra region, loud snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a serious health condition. If left untreated, those with sleep apnea could suffer from stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. This study shows that one in ten Australians have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. This is very common among Australian men in the age bracket of 40 to 69. The risk also goes up the older they get!
The Common Issues You Might Be Suffering From
If you had been recommended to undergo sleep study, it could be that you are being monitored for a number of potential issues. Snoring is one of the reasons why anyone would want to go through a sleep study. In some cases, however, snoring is only a symptom of a more serious health condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Aside from apnea, you will be evaluated in order to rule out any other sleep-related breathing disorder.
Some of the common issues that you might be suffering from and can be diagnosed with a sleep study include REM sleep behavior disorder, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep walking, narcolepsy, and periodic limb movement disorder. By conducting the sleep test, the activity in your brain and body can be thoroughly examined and documented. It is, therefore, a crucial step in making proper diagnosis.
If you need to have a sleep study, discuss with your sleep doctor or nearby sleep clinic about the cost. As mentioned above, there are many variables that can determine the cost of the procedure. If you want to save, you can also discuss insurance coverage options that might be available.
