Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
A sleep study is a comprehensive diagnostic test that helps identify sleep disorders. It monitors your brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate and body movements while you sleep.
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What Does a Sleep Study Tell You?
Polysomnography, also called a sleep study, is a comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders. It records your brain waves, oxygen levels in your blood, heart rate and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during sleep.
The recorded information helps doctors understand your sleep patterns and identify possible disruptions that may affect your sleep quality and overall health.
What Does It Monitor?
- Brain activity and sleep stages.
- Blood oxygen levels.
- Heart rate and breathing patterns.
- Eye and leg movements.
- Snoring and body movements.
What Is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study is generally an overnight, non-invasive examination that allows healthcare professionals to monitor your body while you sleep.
Sensor Placement
Small sensors are placed on different parts of your body to record brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels and body movements.
Overnight Monitoring
You sleep while the monitoring equipment records different body functions and sleep-related activities throughout the night.
Data Recording
The equipment records sleep stages, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate and other important measurements.
Report Evaluation
The recorded information is reviewed by trained professionals and evaluated by your doctor to help determine the next steps in your care.
What If You Can't Sleep During a Sleep Study?
It is normal to feel slightly uncomfortable when sleeping in an unfamiliar environment with monitoring equipment. However, sleep studies are designed to record useful information even when your sleep is different from usual.
If you are concerned about sleeping during the test, discuss it with your doctor beforehand. Do not take sleeping medication unless it has been advised by your healthcare professional.
Why Is a Second Sleep Study Needed?
A second sleep study may be recommended when the initial study does not provide sufficient information or when additional assessment is required.
It may also be needed to determine appropriate positive airway pressure (PAP) settings for people diagnosed with sleep apnea.
What Happens After the Study?
- Recorded sleep data is collected.
- Sleep patterns and breathing events are evaluated.
- Your doctor reviews the findings.
- Further testing or treatment may be recommended if needed.
Types of Sleep Studies
Different types of sleep studies collect information about what happens in your body during sleep. The appropriate test depends on your symptoms and suspected sleep disorder.
Polysomnography (PSG)
An overnight sleep study performed in a specialised sleep facility. It monitors brain and muscle activity, eye movements, breathing effort, airflow, blood oxygen levels, body position, snoring and heart rate.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
This test measures how quickly a person falls asleep during scheduled daytime naps. It is primarily used to evaluate excessive daytime sleepiness and conditions such as narcolepsy.
CPAP Titration Study
This study helps determine the appropriate air pressure required for a CPAP machine to support breathing during sleep. It may be recommended for people diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing
A portable sleep testing device records selected information about breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels while you sleep at home. It provides less information than a full polysomnography study.
Which Sleep Study Is Right for You?
Your doctor will recommend the appropriate type of sleep study based on your symptoms, medical history and suspected sleep disorder. Not every patient requires the same type of test.
Who Needs a Sleep Study?
Sleep studies can help diagnose several sleep disorders. Your doctor may recommend one depending on your symptoms and overall health.
Persistent Snoring
People who experience frequent loud snoring, especially when accompanied by pauses in breathing during sleep.
Daytime Sleepiness
People who regularly feel excessively sleepy or tired during the day despite spending enough time in bed.
Breathing Problems During Sleep
People who experience gasping, choking or suspected interruptions in breathing while sleeping.
Difficulty Concentrating
People experiencing poor concentration, morning headaches or ongoing fatigue that may be associated with sleep problems.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor?
Consult your doctor if you have persistent sleep difficulties, excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring or symptoms suggesting sleep apnea. People with obesity and sleep-related breathing symptoms may also need an evaluation.
How Much Does a Sleep Study Cost?
The cost of a sleep study can vary depending on the type of test, monitoring requirements and the facility conducting it.
Factors That May Affect the Cost
- Type of sleep study being performed.
- Overnight monitoring requirements.
- Hospital or diagnostic facility charges.
- Additional testing or monitoring requirements.
Contact the diagnostic facility directly for accurate pricing and information about the recommended test.
Enquire About a Sleep StudyHow to Prepare for a Sleep Study
A few simple preparations can help make your sleep study more comfortable and allow the medical team to collect useful information.
What Should You Bring?
Bring comfortable pyjamas or sleepwear and a change of clothes for the morning. If you normally use a pillow that helps you sleep comfortably, ask the facility whether you can bring your own.
Bring your regular medications if you need to take them while away from home. Inform the healthcare team about your medicines and medical history.
Preparation Checklist
- Pack comfortable nightwear.
- Bring a change of clothes for the morning.
- Carry your regular medications if required.
- Follow instructions about caffeine and alcohol.
- Ask your doctor about your regular medication schedule.
- Follow the sleep centre's arrival instructions.
Important Preparation Advice
Your doctor or sleep centre will provide specific instructions before the test. Follow their guidance regarding your usual sleep schedule, medications, food and beverages.
Better Sleep Starts with the Right Diagnosis
Consult our healthcare team to understand your sleep concerns and find out whether a sleep study is appropriate for you.
Book an AppointmentSchedule Your Sleep Study
Sleep problems can affect your energy, concentration and overall well-being. A sleep study helps doctors understand your sleep patterns and identify possible sleep disorders.
Understand possible causes of your sleep-related symptoms.
Record important brain and body activities during sleep.
Get guidance based on your sleep study results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Study
Find answers to common questions about sleep studies, preparation and the testing process.
1. What is a sleep study?
A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is a diagnostic test that monitors brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate and body movements while you sleep.
2. Why is a sleep study performed?
It helps doctors diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and investigate symptoms including loud snoring, interrupted breathing and excessive daytime sleepiness.
3. How long does a sleep study take?
A standard polysomnography study is generally performed overnight. The exact duration depends on the test and the facility's protocol.
4. Is a sleep study painful?
A sleep study is generally non-invasive and painless. Small sensors are attached to your body to record different physiological activities during sleep.
5. Can I sleep normally during a sleep study?
You may sleep differently because of the unfamiliar environment and monitoring equipment. However, the study is designed to collect useful information about your sleep patterns.
6. What should I bring for a sleep study?
Bring comfortable sleepwear, a change of clothes for the morning and any regular medications you may need. Follow the instructions provided by your sleep centre.
7. What is a Level 3 sleep study?
A Level 3 sleep study is a portable sleep test that generally monitors breathing-related parameters, heart rate and oxygen levels. It is commonly used to evaluate suspected sleep apnea but does not provide the same information as a full polysomnography study.
8. What is a CPAP titration study?
A CPAP titration study helps determine the appropriate air pressure settings for a CPAP machine used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
9. What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?
MSLT measures how quickly a person falls asleep during scheduled daytime nap opportunities. It is commonly used to investigate excessive daytime sleepiness and narcolepsy.
10. Who should consider a sleep study?
People experiencing persistent snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness or ongoing sleep difficulties may need a sleep assessment based on their doctor's recommendation.
11. How much does a sleep study cost?
The cost depends on the type of sleep study, monitoring requirements and the diagnostic facility. Contact the facility for accurate pricing information.
12. When will I receive my sleep study report?
The recorded data needs to be analysed by trained professionals and reviewed by your doctor. The reporting time depends on the facility and the type of study performed.
Having Trouble Sleeping?
Speak with our healthcare team to learn more about sleep evaluation and diagnostic testing.
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