Guide · 2 min read
Sleep Study Near Me – Expert Sleep Testing
Full sleep studies to find out what sleep problem you have and guide the right treatment.
General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
SLEEP TESTING · BASICS
Sleep studies at a glance
- A sleep study (polysomnography) is the best test for sleep problems.
- Sensors track brain waves, breathing, oxygen, heart and movement.
- A technologist watches over you all night.
- Home tests suit likely sleep apnea; lab studies are more complete.
- Skip caffeine and alcohol that day, and bring your medicines.
Ask about a sleep study if you have…
- Loud snoring, and someone has seen you stop breathing
- Heavy daytime sleepiness, even with enough hours of sleep
- Unusual actions in sleep, like sleepwalking or acting out dreams
- Possible sleep apnea or narcolepsy
A sleep study (polysomnography) is the best test for finding sleep problems. Your sleep doctor may think you have a sleep problem. If so, a sleep study gives the hard data needed for an accurate diagnosis.
What types of sleep studies do we offer?
- Sleep study in the lab (polysomnography, or PSG) — full overnight tracking in a sleep lab
- Home sleep apnea test (HSAT) — a small device you use at home
- Split-night study — finding the problem and setting your CPAP pressure in one night
- CPAP titration study — finds the best air pressure for your CPAP machine
- MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test) — a daytime nap test that checks for narcolepsy
What does a sleep study measure?
During a sleep study in the lab, we track:
- Brain waves (EEG) — your stages of sleep and how well you sleep
- Eye movements (EOG) — to spot dream sleep (REM sleep)
- Muscle activity (EMG) — arm and leg movements
- Heart rhythm (ECG) — how your heart beats through the night
- Breathing — breathing effort and airflow
- Blood oxygen levels (SpO2) — how much oxygen is in your blood
- Body position and snoring — how you lie and how much you snore
Who needs a sleep study?
Your doctor may suggest a sleep study if you have:
- Loud snoring — and someone has seen you stop breathing
- Heavy daytime sleepiness — even when you get enough hours of sleep
- Possible sleep apnea — breathing that stops and starts in sleep
- Unusual actions during sleep — like sleepwalking or acting out dreams
- Possible narcolepsy — very strong sleepiness in the day
Call (512) 931-1575 to book your sleep study visit.
SLEEP TESTING · TYPES
Types of sleep studies
| Where | What it is for | |
|---|---|---|
| In-lab sleep study (PSG) | Sleep lab, overnight | Full tracking of your sleep |
| Home sleep apnea test (HSAT) | Your home | Checking for likely sleep apnea |
| Split-night study | Sleep lab, overnight | Finds the problem and sets CPAP pressure in one night |
| CPAP titration study | Sleep lab, overnight | Finds the best CPAP air pressure |
| MSLT | Daytime | A nap test that checks for narcolepsy |
Common questions
What happens during a sleep study?
Small sensors are placed on your body. They track brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing and oxygen levels while you sleep. A technologist watches over you all night.
Can I do a sleep study at home?
Yes. Home sleep apnea tests are an option if your doctor thinks you have obstructive sleep apnea. But sleep studies in the lab are more complete, and they are needed for some sleep problems.
How do I prepare for a sleep study?
Do not have caffeine or alcohol on the day of your study. Bring comfortable clothes to sleep in and any medicines you take. Try to keep to your normal sleep schedule.
Trusted medical sources
This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.
Further reading
- NHLBISleep Studies
- AASMWhat to Expect at a Sleep Center
- Mayo ClinicPolysomnography
- NIHSleep Disorders
- AASMSleep Education
- CDCSleep Health
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