Medicine :: WellSleep

University of Otago, Wellington Sleep Investigation Unit

Introduction

WellSleep is a sleep investigation centre, providing diagnostic and treatment for a variety of different sleep disorders.

Established by the University of Otago, Wellington in 1997, WellSleep provides specialised services to several hospitals and privately referred patients.

Services

WellSleep is a two bed sleep unit located at Bowen Hospital, Crofton Downs, Wellington.

WellSleep offers overnight studies to evaluate:

  • Sleep breathing disorders
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Central sleep apnoea
  • Nocturnal hypoventilation
  • Other causes of excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS)
  • Narcolepsy
  • Parasomnias

Overnight night sleep studies

Studies can be performed either at the laboratory in Bowen Hospital or in your own home. The location depends on your specialist's referral. A brochure is available to explain the procedure involved in having a sleep study. Please email wellsleep2@paradise.net.nz for a copy.

A short video of a patient undergoing a home sleep study can also be viewed :
Video of home sleep study 1.37MB
(WMP 9 is strongly recommended to play this file)

What is polysomnography, Sleep Study at home or at Wellsleep : brochure (PDF 65KB)
This explains what happens when a sleep study is conducted (as shown on the video). It also gives more information on polysomnography.

Staff

Dr Alister Neill
Clinical Director of WellSleep
Senior Lecturer in Medicine and Respiratory Physician.

Dr Angela Campbell, PhD
Senior Lecturer
Manager.

Technicians

Deidre Sheppard
Karyn O'Keeffe
Michi Imazu
Helen Hills

Support Staff

Marian Vickerman

Research

Current research topics include:

  • The effects of warm air humidification on nasal CPAP compliance in obstructive sleep apnoea.
  • A pilot study of the impact of sleep disorders in road traffic accidents.
  • The effectiveness of a mandibular advancements splint in treating mild obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring.
  • Polysomnographic study of sleep and respiration effects of position in pre-term infants.

Education

WellSleep offers teaching and learning facilities for 5th Year students in General Medicine teaching programme.

Referrals

A referral is required from a sleep disorders specialist or Sleep Disorders Clinic.

Contact Us

WellSleep
Bowen Hospital
Churchill Drive
Crofton Downs
Wellington

Tel 64 4 920 8819
Fax 64 4 920 8861
Email wellsleep2@paradise.net.nz

 

 

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