Sleep Studies
A sleep study is the most reliable way to find out what is happening while you sleep. Sleep Health MD is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and offers attended in-lab sleep studies and convenient home sleep testing for patients in Santa Cruz, Freedom, Sunnyvale, and Monterey.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is the technical term for an in-lab sleep study. During the test, sensors record many aspects of your sleep, including:
- Oxygen levels in the blood
- Brain waves, which show your sleep stages
- Eye and leg movements
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Breathing effort and airflow
- Snoring and body position
The sensors are attached with gentle adhesive and are painless. A trained sleep technologist monitors you throughout the night from a separate room.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing
While polysomnography is the most comprehensive sleep study, it is not the only option. Many adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea qualify for a home sleep apnea test. The Alice NightOne system from Philips Respironics is a popular at-home test because it is easy to set up, turns on automatically once applied, and indicates how much good data has been collected. You can watch a setup video on our instructional forms and videos page.
In-Lab vs. Home Sleep Studies
Polysomnography is performed in a sleep center, where a controlled environment allows providers to collect accurate, detailed data about how your body functions during sleep. Home sleep tests are less comprehensive because they record fewer signals and are set up by the patient rather than a technologist, but they offer a valuable picture of how you sleep in your own bed. Your provider will recommend the test that fits your symptoms and health history.
What Conditions Can Sleep Studies Help Diagnose?
Doctors rarely diagnose a sleep disorder from a sleep study alone, but testing provides insights that can confirm a suspected diagnosis or point to a new one. Sleep studies help diagnose:
- Obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea
- Upper airway resistance syndrome
- Periodic limb movement disorder and restless leg syndrome
- Narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, often with a daytime multiple sleep latency test
- REM sleep behavior disorder and other parasomnias
Sleep studies are not used to diagnose insomnia, which is evaluated through a clinical assessment. Most patients start with a consultation with a sleep specialist before scheduling a study.
How Long Do Sleep Studies Take?
Most diagnostic sleep studies take a single night. Occasionally, your provider may recommend a second night of testing, such as a titration study to find your ideal CPAP pressure, or a daytime nap study following your overnight test. Ask your provider how long your study will be when you schedule.
Preparing for Your Sleep Study
- Follow your normal routine and avoid napping on the day of your study
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening
- Shower before arriving and skip lotions or hair products
- Bring comfortable sleepwear, your medications, and anything you need for your bedtime routine
Our “Attended Sleep Studies, What to Expect” guide, available in English and Spanish, can be found on our instructional forms page. Before your study, review our accepted insurances and new patient information.
Sleep Studies FAQs
What is the difference between an in-lab and home sleep study?
An in-lab polysomnogram records many signals, including brain waves, with a technologist monitoring you overnight. A home sleep apnea test records fewer signals and is mainly used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.
Does a sleep study hurt?
No. Sensors are attached to your skin with gentle adhesive and are painless.
Can I sleep with sensors on?
Yes. Most patients sleep well enough to collect useful data, even if they don’t sleep as well as they would at home.
How long does a sleep study take?
Most diagnostic studies take one night. Some patients need an additional night or a daytime nap study.
Are sleep studies used to diagnose insomnia?
No. Insomnia is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation, though a sleep study may be used to rule out other disorders.
Is a sleep study covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover sleep studies when they are medically necessary. Check with your carrier about coverage and prior authorization.
How do I schedule a sleep study?
Most patients begin with a consultation. Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online with Sleep Health MD.
Get Answers About Your Sleep
An accurate sleep study is the first step toward effective treatment. Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation.