What Happens During a Sleep Study? May 26, 2025 Feeling constantly tired, sleepy, or unfocused during the day? It might be more than just a busy schedule — these can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), especially if you snore, wake up gasping or choking, or experience fragmented sleep.1 OSA doesn’t just affect your rest — it can increase your risk of serious health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.2 If your doctor has referred you for a sleep study, you’re already on the right path. At Centurion Healthcare, we make it easy, comfortable, and bulk billed if you have Medicare and meet the criteria. A better night’s sleep — and better health — could be just around the corner. Step 1: The Referral Your first step is getting a referral from your GP. They can complete the SOVE CPAP Clinic referral form and send it to us via email or fax. Once we receive it, our friendly Centurion Healthcare team will give you a call to schedule your sleep study at one of our 80 sleep testing locations. Step 2: Your Appointment On the day of your appointment, you’ll come into the clinic for a quick 20–30 minute visit. One of our friendly, trained lab technicians will guide you through the process and fit you with the monitoring equipment — it’s completely non-invasive and designed to be as comfortable as possible. The equipment includes: Chest and abdominal bands to measure breathing effort A pulse oximeter on your finger to track oxygen levels A nasal cannula to detect airflow and pauses in breathing Electrodes to monitor: Heart rate and rhythm Brain waves Muscle activity Eye movements We recommend showering beforehand and wearing loose, comfortable sleepwear. If you have a beard, shaving can help improve sensor contact — but don’t worry if not, we’ll adjust the sensors accordingly. Please also avoid makeup and skincare products and remove any nail polish or fake nails from your left index finger to ensure accurate oxygen readings. On the day of the study, try to limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening, and avoid alcohol entirely. Step 3: Sleep in Your Own Bed Once you're all set up, you’ll head home to sleep as normal. Try to stick to your usual sleep routine. The test we use is a Type 2 sleep study — highly detailed but done in the comfort of your own bed. Step 4: Return the Device and Get Your Results The next morning, just remove the equipment and bring it back to the clinic. Your sleep data will then be reviewed by a specialist, and results will be ready in approximately 2 weeks. If OSA is diagnosed, we’ll talk through your treatment options. CPAP therapy is the gold standard for treating OSA, using a bedside machine to gently keep your airways open overnight and relieve symptoms.3 Don’t Sleep on It If you're snoring, constantly tired, or not waking refreshed, a bulk billed at-home sleep study might be your first step toward better health. Talk to your GP today about a referral to Centurion Healthcare — and let us help you rest easier. 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. Rundo, Jessica Vensel. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Basics.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, vol. 86, no. 9 suppl 1, 1 Sept. 2019, pp. 2–9, www.ccjm.org/content/86/9_suppl_1/2.long, https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.86.s1.02. 2. Gonzaga, C, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases.” Journal of Human Hypertension, vol. 29, no. 12, 12 Mar. 2015, pp. 705–712, https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2015.15. 3. Batool-Anwar, Salma, et al. “Impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) on Quality of Life in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).” Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 25, no. 6, 30 May 2016, pp. 731–738, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jsr.12430, https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.12430.
