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Sleep study (polysomnography)

sleep study · polysomnography · sleep apnea test · overnight sleep test

While you sleep at night, your breathing, blood oxygen, pulse, brain activity, and movements are recorded. Sensors are stuck on your body. No needles.

For loud snoring with pauses in breathing, strong daytime sleepiness, insomnia, or strange behavior during sleep.

⏱ Duration: one night, usually from evening to morning

Be sure to tell your doctor

What medicines you take, especially sleeping pills and sedatives
Heart or lung disease
If you already have a breathing machine for sleep

How to prepare

During the day. Do not nap during the day. After lunch, no coffee, strong tea, or energy drinks.
Alcohol. No alcohol on the day of the study.
Your body. Wash your hair. Do not use hairspray, gel, or cream on your face and skin. Men should shave. If you have a beard, check with your clinic.
Medicines. Take your usual medicines as normal, unless your doctor said otherwise.

What to bring

Comfortable pajamas
Your own pillow, if you sleep better with it
Your evening medicines
A toothbrush and things for the morning
Your referral

How it goes

In the evening, you are taken to your room
A nurse sticks sensors on your head, face, chest, and legs
A thin tube is placed under your nose and an oxygen sensor on your finger
You go to sleep as usual and the lights are turned off
During the night, a nurse watches the recording by camera
In the morning, the sensors are removed

What you'll feel

The sensors feel unusual, but they do not hurt
Many people worry they will not fall asleep. Usually there is enough sleep for a result
If you need the toilet, call the nurse and they will unhook you

Afterwards

You can go home right away in the morning
Leftover glue washes off with water
Results usually take a few days. Your doctor will go over them

Common questions

Can I do a sleep study at home?

Yes, there are home devices to check for sleep apnea. But they record less. Your doctor will decide what suits you.

What if I cannot fall asleep at the clinic?

Almost everyone falls asleep. A few hours of sleep is usually enough for a result.