What Happens During an Overnight Sleep Study?

If your doctor has recommended an overnight sleep study, you may be wondering what happens while you sleep. An overnight sleep study, often called polysomnography, records selected body signals during sleep to help a qualified professional assess possible sleep-related problems.

Before the study begins

Your healthcare team may ask about your sleep habits, symptoms, medicines and medical history. They will explain the test and equipment. Depending on the type of study, the test may take place in a sleep laboratory or, when clinically appropriate, at home.

How is the equipment fitted?

For a full polysomnography study, sensors may be placed on the scalp, face, chest, legs or fingers. They can record information such as brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, breathing, airflow and blood oxygen levels. A home sleep apnea test generally monitors a smaller set of breathing-related signals.

Can you sleep with the sensors attached?

The sensors may feel unfamiliar, but many people can sleep with them. You may move or wake up during the night. Tell the technician if a sensor feels uncomfortable. For a home test, follow the supplied instructions.

What happens the next morning?

The recording is checked for quality and analysed by an appropriately qualified professional. Findings are interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history. Sometimes further assessment or another type of test may be recommended.

Arrange a suitable study

The appropriate test depends on what your doctor needs to investigate. A home sleep test and a full laboratory study are not interchangeable in every situation. Learn about available options at sleep testing options.

The equipment behind the test

A full overnight study is recorded on a polysomnography system such as the Löwenstein Sonata, while portable systems like the Scala polygraphy device are used for home testing. Srivari Healthcare supplies both, along with turnkey sleep lab setup for hospitals and clinics.

Related reading

• How to Prepare for a Sleep Study: A Simple Patient Guide

Prefer to test at home?

A home sleep study in Chennai lets you sleep in your own bed: the device is delivered and the sensors are shown to you. To understand what the test looks for, read about the sleep apnea test.

This article is educational and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to a qualified doctor about your own symptoms and results.