To get a sleep study, you must first consult with a healthcare provider who will evaluate your symptoms and determine if a sleep study is necessary. If they decide you may benefit from one, they will refer you to a sleep clinic or sleep center where the study can be performed. The clinic will then schedule your study, which can take place overnight (polysomnogram) or as a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) depending on your symptoms and type of sleep disorder suspected.
Understanding When a Sleep Study Is Needed
Many people may not realize when it’s time to seek professional help for their sleep issues. Common indications that a sleep study might be in order include persistent snoring, long pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty falling or staying asleep. In such cases, a primary care doctor or a sleep specialist can help determine if your symptoms are serious enough to warrant a sleep study.
Types of Sleep Studies
Polysomnogram (PSG)
A polysomnogram is the most comprehensive type of sleep study. Conducted overnight at a sleep clinic, a PSG monitors your brain waves, blood oxygen level, heart rate, breathing, as well as eye and leg movements throughout the duration of your sleep.
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
For individuals suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a HSAT might be provided. It’s a simplified test used primarily to diagnose OSA and involves using a portable device that you can use in your own home.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
Used to diagnose disorders such as narcolepsy, the MSLT measures how quickly you fall asleep in a quiet environment during the day. It also monitors how quickly and how often you enter REM sleep.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)
In contrast to the MSLT, the MWT measures how well you can stay awake. This test is often used to assess the effectiveness of treatment in patients who have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder that causes daytime sleepiness.
Referral From a Healthcare Provider
The first step in getting a sleep study is to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Given the full picture of your health and any sleep-related complaints, they will be able to determine the next steps. They might refer you to a sleep specialist or directly to a sleep clinic. The referral will usually include your medical history and any previous testing that has been done related to your sleep issues.
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Finding a Sleep Clinic or Center
Once you’ve been referred for a sleep study, the next step is finding a clinic. Your healthcare provider may have a particular clinic they recommend, or you might need to research sleep centers in your area that are covered under your health insurance plan. Accredited sleep centers have met certain standards and are usually the best choice for quality care.
Preparation for a Sleep Study
When your sleep study is scheduled, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare. This might include avoiding caffeine or naps on the day of the study, and the clinic might have specific requests regarding medications you’re taking. Be sure to follow these instructions, as they’re designed to ensure the most accurate results.
What to Bring
Typically, you’ll want to bring comfortable pajamas, toiletry items you may need, and any medications you take regularly.
What to Expect
If you’re doing an overnight study in a clinic, expect to stay from the evening until the morning. The room will be designed to mimic a comfortable bedroom environment to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
On the Day of Your Sleep Study
Arrival to the Sleep Center
Upon arrival, you will usually be greeted by a technician who will explain the process and show you to your room. They will prepare you for the study by attaching sensors to your body, which might feel a little strange, but they are usually not painful or too uncomfortable.
Durant the Study
During the study, technicians will monitor you as you sleep. They will be looking for signs of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or other conditions that can affect sleep quality and health.
After the Sleep Study
Once the study is completed, the sensors will be removed, and you will likely be able to go about your day normally. The data collected during your study will be analyzed carefully by a sleep specialist who will then provide you with the results during a follow-up appointment. The results will help the specialist create a treatment plan, which could include the use of devices like CPAP machines for sleep apnea, medication, or behavioral therapy for other sleep disorders.
Finishing Thoughts
Sleep studies are critical diagnostic tools that can help uncover the causes of sleep disturbance and guide the appropriate treatment path. If you are experiencing sleep-related symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss whether a sleep study could be beneficial for you. Restful, restorative sleep is a cornerstone of good health, and a sleep study is a proactive step toward taking control of your sleep and overall well-being.
