What is a sleep study? And should I have one?
There are few things more important for day-to-day health than a good night’s sleep. From work performance to emotional stability to physical well-being, our quality of sleep impacts every part of our lives.

Unfortunately, 30% of adults across various countries reportedly experience insomnia, according to the National Institutes of Health. And approximately 20% of U.S. adults are impacted by a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea – of which, about 90% are undiagnosed.

The good news?

Sleep studies can be conducted to catch sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia before they become more serious and cause further health issues.

What is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study is a non-invasive overnight test used to monitor your quality of sleep. Doctors use sleep studies to analyze what’s happening in your brain and body while you sleep and diagnose sleep disorders like…

Sleep apnea
Insomnia
Restless Leg Syndrome
Narcolepsy
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Sleepwalking
Sleep Talking, or Somniloquy
Night Terrors
Sleep Paralysis
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Types of Sleep Studies

The specific kind of study conducted will depend on your unique symptoms and whether you have any existing sleep disorders.

Polysomnography: The most common type of sleep study, a polysomnography is an exam administered overnight by a sleep technician at a hospital or sleep center. Sleep technicians use a number of sensors to test a range of body systems, including respiratory effort, airflow, snoring, eye movements, muscle and brain activity, heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, and body movements.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test: An exam used to diagnose narcolepsy or other disorders that cause excessive daytime fatigue, a Multiple Sleep Latency Test monitors how quickly a person is able to fall asleep and enter REM sleep during daytime naps.

CPAP Titration: When someone is diagnosed with sleep apnea, doctors often suggest a treatment called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In a CPAP Titration, a technician conducts tests to calculate the amount of air pressure a particular patient needs in order to set their CPAP machine properly each night.

Split-Night Study: If your doctor strongly suspects you have sleep apnea, they may conduct or order a Split-Night Sleep Study. During the first half of the night, technicians perform a polysomnography to officially diagnose sleep apnea. Then, during the second half of the night, a CPAP Titration is conducted.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing: Essentially a simplified overnight polysomnography, a Home Sleep Apnea Test gathers information about a patient’s breathing, heart rate, and other basic variables.

Who Needs a Sleep Study?

If your doctor suspects you might have some sort of sleep disorder, they will prescribe a sleep study. You may be in need of a sleep study if you exhibit some of the following common signs and symptoms of sleep disorders:

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Falling asleep while driving
Trouble falling asleep at night
Unusual breathing patterns
Uncomfortable urge to move while attempting sleep
Unusual movements or experiences during sleep
Irregular sleep and wake cycle
Reduced ability to perform regular daytime activities
Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
Slowed responses
Trouble managing emotions

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical advice from your primary care provider as soon as possible.

Benefits of Sleep Studies

There are numerous benefits of sleep studies, including…

Accurate diagnosis of sleep disorders
Reliable identification of underlying medical conditions
Custom-tailored treatment plans
Increased chance of quality sleep
Overall improved quality of life

Learn how to prepare for a sleep study.

HME Locations | Find Sleep Centers Near You!

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Use our online tools to find home medical equipment and sleep centers.

Need to find a sleep study location near you? Use our handy sleep center search tool.

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