From Clinic to Bedroom: The Rise of At-Home Sleep Studies

If you’ve ever been told you snore loudly, gasp in your sleep, or wake up feeling tired no matter how early you went to bed, you’re not alone. Around one in five Australians live with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.¹ Even more concerning, about 80% remain undiagnosed, missing out on simple, effective treatments.²

Traditionally, diagnosing sleep disorders meant spending a night in a hospital or sleep lab, hooked up to multiple sensors under constant observation. While effective, it wasn’t exactly the most relaxing way to measure sleep. Now, with modern technology and accessible healthcare, that process has moved from the clinic to the comfort of your own bedroom.

How At-Home Sleep Studies Work

At SOVE, patients can now complete a home sleep study using the latest diagnostic technology — the Falcon Home Sleep Test (HST). The process is quick and simple: you visit one of SOVE’s 80+ nationwide clinics for a brief 20-minute appointment where a trained technician sets up the small, lightweight device. Then you head home, sleep as usual, and return the equipment the next morning.

The Falcon HST records a wide range of signals — including oxygen saturation, airflow, breathing effort, snoring, body position, heart rhythm (ECG), and even brain activity (EEG). Your results are then reviewed by an accredited Respiratory and Sleep Physician, who prepares a detailed report and recommends treatment if necessary.

Comfort Meets Clinical Accuracy

While in-lab tests (known as Type 1 studies) remain the gold standard, at-home sleep studies are impressively accurate for diagnosing OSA. Studies show that modern home systems can detect sleep apnea with up to 88.5% accuracy and 94% sensitivity, depending on the device and setup.³

Because you’re sleeping in your own bed, these tests often provide more representative results — reflecting how you truly sleep in your natural environment, rather than how you might rest in a hospital setting.

Bulk Billed Testing with Expert Care

At SOVE, home sleep studies are bulk billed if you meet the eligibility criteria (Medicare terms and conditions apply). That means patients can access testing with little to no out-of-pocket expense. With minimal wait times and an expert multidisciplinary team—including Respiratory and Sleep Physicians, sleep technologists, and CPAP consultants—Sove ensures your entire testing process is smooth, supervised, and supported from start to finish.

Understanding the Limitations

While at-home sleep studies are accurate and convenient for most people, they’re not suitable for everyone. These tests are ideal for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, but they may not detect more complex sleep disorders such as central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, parasomnias (like sleepwalking), or restless legs syndrome.

They also may not be appropriate for individuals with severe heart or lung disease, neuromuscular disorders, or cognitive or physical impairments that make it difficult to use the device properly. In these situations, your doctor may recommend a Type 1 in-lab study, which provides continuous overnight monitoring and a more comprehensive assessment.

Better Sleep Starts Here

If you’re struggling with snoring, fatigue, or poor focus, it might be time to check your sleep health. With expert-led, bulk billed home sleep studies available through SOVE, getting answers has never been easier.

Book your sleep study today and take the first step toward better rest, improved energy, and long-term health — because better sleep truly starts here.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

1. Soenen, Stijn, et al. “Sleep Health Primary Care Clinical Resource.” Australian Journal of General Practice, vol. 53, no. 6, 1 June 2024, pp. 349–355. https://doi.org/10.31128/ajgp-03-23-6779.
2. “80% of People with Sleep Apnoea Are Undiagnosed. Here’s How to Tell If You Have It.” Sciencefocus.com, 2024. www.sciencefocus.com/science/sleep-apnea-beat.
3. Concise Digital. “Should You Do an At-Home Sleep Test or a Lab Test?” NSW CPAP, 26 Sept. 2024. www.nswcpap.com.au/blogs/cpap-latest-news/at-home-vs-lab-sleep-test-accuracy. Accessed 29 May 2025.