Paediatric home Sleep studies
What is a Home Sleep Study?
A home sleep study is a test that records your child’s sleep and breathing while they sleep at home. Small sensors are gently placed on your child’s head, face, and body to measure:
- Breathing patterns
- Oxygen levels
- Sleep stages and sleep quality
- Heart rate and body movements
This test is commonly used to investigate sleep-related breathing problems, including obstructive sleep apnoea.
A referral from a sleep physician is required before your child can have a sleep study. If your child has not yet seen a sleep physician, your GP can refer them to one of our specialists, who can assess your child and arrange a sleep study if appropriate.
| Age group | Upfront Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of pocket |
| 3-11 years | $900 | $416.45 | $483.55 |
| 12-17 years | $870 | $387.00 | $483.00 |
Preparing for your child’s sleep study
Make sure your child is well
Please ensure your child is not unwell on the day of the study.
Arrive already in pyjamas
Your child should come dressed in their pyjamas, as changing clothes after the equipment is fitted can be difficult. We will explain what to do if an unexpected change is needed overnight.
Clean, dry hair
Please make sure your child’s hair is clean, dry, and free of head lice.
Arrive on time
Please arrive at Newcastle Health Enterprise at your scheduled appointment time. If you are running late, call us as soon as possible. The set-up appointment takes approximately 45 minutes.
What happens at the appointment?
Comfortable set-up
Your child will sit in a comfortable chair while our sleep technician places the equipment. You can stay with your child throughout the appointment.
Head sensors
Small gold cup sensors are gently attached to the scalp using a soft paste. These are painless and safe. They help record brain activity during sleep so we can assess sleep stages and sleep quality.
Additional leads
Small sticky leads are placed near the eyes, ears, and chest to record other sleep-related signals.
Finger oxygen monitor
A finger oximeter is placed on your child’s non-dominant hand. It is painless and measures blood oxygen levels overnight.
After the study
The sensors are removed the next morning, and the paste washes out with warm water and shampoo. The device must be returned to the practice by 11am.
The recorded data is reviewed by a sleep scientist, who scores the study and prepares the information for a paediatric sleep and respiratory doctor.
Once the doctor has completed the final report, we will contact you to arrange an appointment to discuss your child’s results and any recommended next steps.
Newcastle Health Enterprise
218 Pacific Hwy
CHARLESTOWN NSW 2290
Entrance via Pearson St Mall
P: 02 4955 8044
F: 02 4955 8055
admin@newcastlehealthenterprise.com.au
