Test

What Is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study is a test that records data about you while you sleep. It’s usually done in a special lab. It’s also known as a polysomnogram (PSG) or polysomnography.

During the test, an EEG monitors your brain activity to identify sleep cycles and disturbances. A sleep specialist uses this as well as your movements, breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate to find out whether you have a sleep disorder.

What Does a Sleep Study Test For?

• Sleep apnea
• Periodic limb movement disorder/restless legs syndrome
• Narcolepsy
• Insomnia
• Sleepwalking
• REM sleep behavior disorder

Expect During a Sleep Study

You'll have a private bedroom in a sleep center or hospital. Technicians will sit nearby to monitor you while you sleep. Your room will have a video camera so they can see what’s going on and an audio system so you can talk with the technicians. Your room will have a private bathroom; just let the technicians know when you need to use it so they can take off the wires connecting you to the monitoring equipment.