Basics of Sleep
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Disorders of Hypersomnolence
Insomnia
Parasomnias
Restless Legs Syndrome
Sleep Apnoea
Sleep Disorders

Sleep Study

This is a fact sheet about Sleep Studies.

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Homedown arrow iconSleep disordersdown arrow iconSleep Study
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March 25, 2025
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Summary

Things you should know:

  • Understand your sleep: Learn if sleep apnoea or other issues are affecting you.
  • What happens when you sleep? Sensors track breathing, movement, and more.
  • Sleep clinic or home? Your doctor will help you choose the best option.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study is a medical test that helps doctors learn more about how you sleep. It can show if there are any problems with your sleep that may need help. Sleep studies can be done at home or at a special place called a sleep clinic. Your doctor will help decide which one is best for you.

How does a sleep study work?

In a sleep study, scientists use special equipment to measure things like your breathing, brain activity, and heart rate while you sleep. They do this by attaching small sticky patches, called sensors, to your body.

  • At a sleep clinic. If you have your study at a sleep clinic, you arrive in the evening, sleep overnight at the clinic, and go home in the morning. The scientists watch the signals while you sleep to make sure everything is being recorded.
  • At home. If you do a sleep study at home, you’ll go to the clinic during the day to get sensors put on, and then you can go home, move around, and sleep in your own bed. The equipment will still measure things like your breathing and movement during the night.

Which study is better?

Both sleep clinics and home studies can give good information. A sleep clinic study gives very clear results because the scientists are watching your sleep signals all night. But some people find it hard to sleep in a new place. For them, a home study might give better information because they feel more relaxed at home. Your doctor will help you decide which one is better for you.

What can a sleep study show?

A sleep study can tell doctors a lot about how you sleep, such as:

  • Brain Signals: These show when you’re asleep or awake.
  • Breathing and Oxygen Levels: These tell if your breathing stops and starts during sleep, which may mean you have a condition like sleep apnoea.
  • Movements: Some sensors will track if your legs or other body parts move, which could disturb your sleep.

Are there any risks?

Sleep studies are safe and don’t hurt. The sensors are attached with sticky patches or a bit of cream. Sometimes the cream might make your skin a little red, but that goes away quickly.

Do I need a sleep study?

If you feel very sleepy during the day, have trouble sleeping, or someone has noticed you stop breathing while asleep, talk to your doctor. They might send you to a sleep specialist, who is an expert in sleep problems, to decide if a sleep study could help.

Getting ready for your sleep study

Before your sleep study, the clinic will let you know what to bring and if you need to do anything special. Usually, you can just go about your day as usual.

How much will a sleep study cost?

The cost of a sleep study can vary. It’s a good idea to ask the clinic about costs before you make a booking.

Where can I find out more?

More information about such studies is available at a number of web sites including http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-basics/viewasleepstudy.htm

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