Sleep screening (trolley) study information sheet
Contact
Sleep Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
(02) 7825 1150
Introduction
A sleep study is a simple test to help identify sleep problems.
The results tell us if your child needs further testing (for example, a full sleep study) or treatment. The results can also be used to change the treatment your child is already receiving. Your child's doctor will discuss with you what they think should happen after the study.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only. Please talk to your child's doctor or health care team for more information.
About sleep screening (trolley) study
In a sleep screening (trolley) study, we measure the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream using sensors on your child's skin.
The study measures this while your child sleeps.
- A parent, carer or nominated adult needs to stay with your child while they are doing the study at the hospital.
- You are responsible for arranging a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor to receive and discuss the results of the sleep study.
The sleep screening (trolley) study process at Westmead
Arrive
Please arrive before 7 pm so that we can prepare your child for the study.
When you arrive at the hospital, ask the staff at the Enquiries desk in Banksia Building for directions to the Sleep Unit.
The receptionist in the Sleep Unit will book your child in and ask you to fill out some paperwork.
Get acquainted with the Sleep Unit
When you arrive, the Sleep Unit staff will explain what will happen and show your child the equipment to be used so that they are not frightened.
This is also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you or your child may have about the study.
Have dinner
Dinner will be provided for your child. If your child is bottle fed or has special dietary needs, please contact the Sleep Unit on (02) 7825 1150 by 9 am on the day of your study so that we can prepare a special order from the kitchen.
The Sleep Unit has a fridge and microwave. You can also purchase meals from cafes in and around the hospital.
Go to bed
When your child goes to sleep, the Sleep Unit staff will put a sensor on your child's finger or toe to measure oxygen. They will also put a sensor onto the skin of their chest or stomach to measure carbon dioxide.
The Sleep Unit staff will come into the room every hour to record the numbers on the machine. We try to do this quietly and gently to not disturb you or your child while you sleep.
One parent or carer is required to stay with the child overnight. A single is bed is provided in the room for one carer.
Monitoring and blood drawing
Your child is monitored for at least 8 hours overnight. We will wake your child up between 5:30 am and 6 am and disconnect them from the sensors.
As we need to prepare the space for other patients, we request that you get up once we've removed the sensors.
We will then take the equipment out of your room and look over the results. The doctor will also take blood from your child's arm in the morning.
After this, you and your child are free to go home.
Receive results
You will receive the study results from the doctor who asked for the test.
Please make a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor or Sleep or Respiratory doctor to discuss the results of the study.
Items to bring to a sleep test
- Medicare card with your child's name
- A valid referral letter from a GP
- Items familiar to your child (for example, pillow, toys and books)
- Button-up pyjamas for your child
- Toiletries for you and your child
- Medications your child uses or may need
- Adult pyjamas for the parent or carer
- If your child is on CPAP or bi-level therapy, all the relevant equipment (for example, CPAP or bi-level machine, mask and tubing)
- For infants: enough infant milk or formula and bottles to last overnight.