Quick answer
Wait times for a publicly funded sleep study in Canada range from a few weeks for urgent cases to many months for routine referrals. British Columbia’s benchmarks are two to four weeks for urgent cases, two months for people with major daytime sleepiness and six months for others. Ontario research has reported median waits of 203 to 260 days from primary care to a sleep study. Home sleep testing can be faster for suitable adults.
At a glance
Key takeaways
Urgent referrals, such as severe sleepiness with heart disease or a high-risk job, are prioritized.
A home sleep apnea test may shorten the wait for adults with suspected uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea.
Do not drive or do safety-sensitive work if you are struggling to stay awake while you wait.
How long is the wait?
Wait times depend on your province, how urgent your referral is and local capacity. B.C. publishes priority benchmarks: Priority 1 (major daytime sleepiness plus conditions such as heart disease or stroke, or a high-risk occupation) within two to four weeks; Priority 2 (major daytime sleepiness without those factors) within two months; and Priority 3 within six months. An Ontario population study found a median of 260 days at hospital facilities and 203 days at community facilities from primary care to polysomnography, followed by a further 82 to 108 days to start CPAP (ICES). That study covered 2006 to 2013, so current waits may differ.
What affects how long you wait
- How sleepy you are during the day and whether it affects safety
- Other health conditions, such as heart or lung disease
- Whether your job is safety-sensitive
- Whether you need an in-lab study or are suitable for home testing
- Local sleep lab and specialist capacity
Ways to get tested sooner, safely
Tell your clinician about daytime sleepiness, near-misses while driving and any heart or lung conditions, because these affect priority. Ask whether a home sleep apnea test is suitable; it may be for adults with suspected uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea. See who a home sleep test is for and home test vs sleep lab.
While you wait
- Keep a two-week sleep diary and ask a bed partner about snoring or breathing pauses.
- Avoid alcohol and sedating medicines close to bedtime unless your prescriber advises otherwise.
- Do not drive when drowsy.
- Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty or falling asleep while driving.
Sources
- Province of British Columbia. Patient priority and wait time benchmarks. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/diagnostic-services/polysomnography/patient-priority-and-wait-time-benchmarks
- ICES. Clinical pathways and wait times for OSA care in Ontario, Canada. https://www.ices.on.ca/publications/journal-articles/clinical-pathways-and-wait-times-for-osa-care-in-ontario-canada-a-population-cohort-study/
- Public Health Agency of Canada. Sleep apnea. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/sleep-apnea.html
Medical and financial disclaimer
This page is general information, not medical, legal or tax advice. Program rules, prices and eligibility change; confirm current details with the program, your insurer or a qualified professional. Virtual Sleep Care does not currently serve Quebec, Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut.