Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most about sleep testing, treatment and booking.
Your Questions, Our Answers
Do I need to stay overnight in a sleep lab?
No. Most people are tested at home with the Empower sleep device, worn on the finger over several nights. We refer for a hospital sleep study only when it is needed.
How long does the sleep study last?
Up to 30 nights. You wear the Empower sensor at home and results are available after every night, so you and your clinician can see how each change, such as breathwork, a new routine or treatment, affects your sleep.
Will I be given sleeping tablets?
Not as a first step. We start with CBT-I, breathing and lifestyle treatment. If medication is right for you, it is prescribed for the shortest time needed and reviewed closely.
Do you see children?
Yes. Our children's sleep team, including a paediatric dentist, assesses snoring, mouth breathing, settling problems and sleep linked to ADHD and autism.
Can poor sleep affect my hormones and weight?
Yes. Short sleep lowers testosterone, disturbs cortisol, increases appetite and reduces insulin sensitivity. Hormone changes such as menopause can also disturb sleep.
Your safety
When to seek help urgently
Some sleep symptoms need medical attention straight away, before you book with us.
- 01Falling asleep while driving
- 02Witnessed pauses in breathing with severe daytime sleepiness
- 03Sudden, unexplained changes in sleep
- 04In children: breathing pauses, gasping, laboured breathing or poor growth
Drivers with diagnosed sleep apnoea that causes excessive sleepiness must tell the DVLA.
