In-hospital sleep studies provide the best quality diagnostic information regarding possible sleep disorders and have the lowest rate of technical failure. They also allow careful titration of therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea, which can be essential for some patients. However, waiting times in the public system can be lengthy and sleep laboratories in private hospitals can have significant costs for patients without private insurance.
Recently, a new ‘level 1’ sleep laboratory opened on Wakefield Street in the Adelaide CBD called the ‘Oasis Sleep and Wellness Centre’. This new facility has an innovative set-up which means private insurance is not required. Costs are lower compared with those applying to uninsured patients having in-laboratory sleep studies in private hospitals. This new facility fills an important gap for patients with suspected sleep disorders in South Australia.