People usually spend the night at a hospital sleep laboratory or an outpatient sleep clinic.
Electrodes attached to their body monitor their brain waves, breathing, and movement while they sleep.
This article explains the purpose of a sleep study and how to prepare for one.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
A polysomnogram might also be advisable based on a screening test fornarcolepsy(excessive daytime sleepiness).
The test is known as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
What Can a Sleep Study Diagnose?
What Does a Sleep Study Measure?
What Does a Sleep Study Cost?
The cost of a sleep study varies, depending on the jot down of test and the facility charges.
Timing and Location
When Is Your Sleep Study?
Most sleep studies take place over the course of one night.
A typical check-in time for a polysomnogram is between 8 and 10 p.m.
The usual departure time after a person wakes up the next day is between 6 and 8 a.m.
The goal is for you to sleep for at least seven hours, though this isn’t always possible.
In some cases, sleep medication may be given to help you along.
If you work nights, some facilities can conduct studies during the day.
Where Are Sleep Studies Done?
This test typically is done at a sleep center or sleep lab.
This may be a special department that is part of a hospital or clinic, or a standalone facility.
Sleep studies are sometimes even set up in hotels.
In general, a sleep center has multiple bedrooms that are set up for overnight sleep studies.
Typically, a sleep clinic is staffed with one or more healthcare providers who are trained in sleep medicine.
Many also practice related disciplines, such as neurology, psychiatry, and pulmonary medicine.
In these cases, a rollaway cot may provided.
Keep in mind that the room will be monitored throughout the night.
You won’t be able to bring a pet, with the possible exception of a service animal.
The animal will require proper documentation before it is granted entry.
There may be paperwork to fill out, including a consent form.
You may need to present your health insurance card and/or co-pay if you have one.
Once you’re checked in, asleep technicianwill take you to your bedroom for the night.
They will show you the bathroom and where you might put your things.
Most sleep clinics also use athermistor, a pronged wire that sits in the nostrils and measures temperature changes.
There will likely be a small infrared camera and two-way speaker in the room.
Just prior to going to sleep, the technician will test the equipment.
What If you’ve got the option to’t Sleep?
Not being able to sleep is a common concern of people undergoing a sleep study.
Surprisingly, most people do sleep despite the unfamiliar environment and all the wires.
In fact, it’s rare that someone isn’t able to sleep at all.
The most common sleep aid is Ambien (zolpidem).
Do not take this medication or any other without the approval of your healthcare provider.
In the worst-case scenario, the testing can be repeated to ensure that the results are valid.
This probably will take some time.
Sleep study reports can be as many as five pages long.
AHI Explained
The AHI scale consists of two columns: The AHI and the sleep apnea rating.
This testing consists of opportunities to take naps at two-hour intervals the day following the overnight testing.
It is somewhat simplified from the baseline study, with fewer measurements involved.
The MSLT can identify narcolepsy, hypersomnia, or whether a normal amount of daytime sleepiness is present.
A maintenance of wakefulness test may also be performed as a follow-up.
Transient dozing (or falling asleep) may be a problem if identified.
Repeat Sleep Studies
Sometimes it’s necessary to repeat a sleep study.
Your healthcare provider may suggest this course of action in certain situations.
Significant health changes could necessitate a second look, too.
Unresolved Sleep Apnea
If you’re stilltoo sleepy, it may be a sign to dig a little deeper.
Persistent and excessive daytime sleepiness may also require a reassessment of other conditions that may be triggering the fatigue.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale may be used again to gauge sleepiness.
More intensive evaluation often proves necessary to sort out the underlying cause of the apnea.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.Sleep study.
Sleep Doctor.At-home sleep apnea tests.
