When Do You Need a Sleep Study?

You may need a sleep study if you snore loudly, stop breathing in your sleep, or feel tired during the day. Some health problems are also a reason to get tested. A sleep study is the surest way to find out if you have a sleep disorder.

Which symptoms mean you should think about a sleep study?

• Snoring with pauses — Loud, long-term snoring with breathing pauses that someone has seen.
• Daytime sleepiness — Feeling very sleepy during the day even though you get enough sleep.
• Morning headaches — Headaches when you wake up that fade during the day.
• Poor sleep — Trouble staying asleep, or waking up tired.
• Movement in sleep — Restless legs or unusual movements during sleep.
• Blood pressure — High blood pressure that's hard to control.
• Tiredness — Tiredness with no clear cause that affects your work or driving.

Which health problems may call for testing?

Many health problems are a reason to check for sleep apnea.

• Heart rhythm and pumping — Heart failure or atrial fibrillation (an uneven heartbeat).
• Hard-to-treat blood pressure — Resistant hypertension (high blood pressure that doesn't respond well to medicine).
• Diabetes — Type 2 diabetes with signs of poor sleep.
• Before weight-loss surgery — A checkup before bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.
• Truck and bus drivers — Commercial drivers who need DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) certification.

Why get tested early?

Ongoing snoring, tiredness, and breathing pauses are key signs. Finding a problem early leads to better results. Talk to your doctor about whether a sleep study is right for you.