Sleep study information sheet
Contact
Sleep medicine administration, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
(02) 7825 3437
Introduction
A sleep study is a test to diagnose sleep problems.
The sleep study results are used to indicate if further treatment for your child is needed. This may include surgery or the use of a device to provide breathing support for your child.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only. Please talk to your child's doctor or health care team for more information.
About sleep study
A sleep study is most often done overnight and monitors brain waves, breathing through the nose and mouth, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, heart rate and body movements.
Daytime studies are used for young infants, or for older children to document how sleepy they are.
- A parent, carer or nominated adult needs to stay with your child overnight for the sleep study.
- You are responsible for arranging a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor to receive and discuss the results of the sleep study, and plan further treatment if needed.
The sleep study process at Westmead
Arrive
You will be asked to arrive at the hospital at either 5 pm or 6 pm and check in at Acute Review Clinic on Level 2 in Banksia Building, where you will be directed to the David Read Sleep Unit.
Have the sensors attached
When you arrive, the Sleep Unit staff will explain what will happen.
They will attach sensors to various parts of your child’s body. This is painless. Sensors are placed on the head, chin, face, chest and legs.
Wait for bedtime
After the sensors are attached, your child is free to move around, eat dinner, watch television and play until bedtime.
Dinner will be provided for your child. If your child is bottle fed or has special diet needs, you will need to provide these. The Sleep Unit has a fridge and microwave. You can also purchase meals from cafes in the hospital.
Prepare and go to bed
Before your child goes to bed, further equipment is added.
A small plastic tube is put under the nose to measure airflow. Two soft, elasticised bands are put around the chest and stomach to measure breathing efforts. A sensor is put on the finger to measure oxygen. Another sensor is put on the skin to measure carbon dioxide and another plastic sensor above the top lip to measure breathing through the mouth.
All the sensors are then connected to a computer, which monitors the study.
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
Your child is monitored for at least 8 hours overnight. We will wake your child up between 5:30 am and 6 am to be disconnected from the sensors.
Your child can then shower, and then you and your child are free to go home.
Receive results
The results of the sleep study will be sent to you and your referring doctor 6 to 8 weeks after the study.
Please book 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
- A valid referral letter (if you have not given us one already)
- 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.