Polysomnography (Sleep Study) 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?

You might have a sleep study to check for:

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

What to 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.

All the equipment and monitoring may seem uncomfortable at first. But most people fall asleep without much trouble.