Preparing for sleep study

Overview

A sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) is a test that records your body activity while you sleep. It is used to find out if you have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless legs syndrome.

Sleep studies are fairly common. Many people have trouble sleeping, and a sleep study helps doctors find the cause so they can recommend the right treatment.

Sleep studies are usually recommended for people who have symptoms of a sleep disorder, such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, daytime tiredness, or trouble falling or staying asleep.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Loud snoring that wakes others or yourself
• Episodes of gasping or choking during sleep
• Daytime sleepiness even after a full night's rest
• Morning headaches
• Trouble concentrating during the day

Symptoms in children

• Bedwetting (in children who were previously dry at night)
• Restless sleep, frequent tossing and turning
• Snoring (not always a sign of a problem, but can be)
• Daytime behavioural issues like hyperactivity or irritability

Symptoms in older adults

• Frequent waking during the night
• Waking up feeling unrefreshed
• Increased confusion or memory problems
• Falls due to daytime sleepiness

Causes

Main causes

• Obstructive sleep apnea – the airway becomes blocked during sleep
• Central sleep apnea – the brain does not send the right signals to breathe
• Insomnia – trouble falling or staying asleep
• Restless legs syndrome – an urge to move the legs that disrupts sleep

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a large neck circumference
• Being over 40 years old
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Nasal congestion or sinus problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have been told you stop breathing during sleep
• You wake up choking or gasping for air
• You often feel extremely sleepy during the day and it affects your safety

Book a routine appointment if:

• You snore loudly on most nights
• You often wake up feeling tired after a full night's sleep
• Your partner notices pauses in your breathing during sleep
• You have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for more than a month

Diagnosis

A sleep study is the main test to diagnose sleep disorders. Your doctor will review your symptoms and may ask you to have a study at a sleep centre or take a home test. The results show patterns in your sleep that can explain your symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Polysomnography (in-lab sleep study) – you stay overnight in a sleep lab with sensors attached to your head, face, chest, and legs.
• Home sleep apnea test – a simpler device you wear at home that records breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
• Multiple sleep latency test – measures how quickly you fall asleep during the day (often used after a sleep study).

What to expect at your appointment

Before the study, you will be told how to prepare. On the night, you will sleep in a private room. Sensors are painlessly attached to your body with gel or tape. A technician watches from another room. In the morning, you can go home. The results are reviewed by a sleep specialist and sent to your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the sleep study finds. If you have sleep apnea, the most common treatments are devices that keep your airway open. For insomnia, therapy and sleep habits are key. For restless legs, medications or lifestyle changes may help.

Self-care at home

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine – reading, gentle stretches, or a warm bath.
• Avoid caffeine, heavy meals, and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Sleep on your side if you snore or have sleep apnea.
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

Medical treatments

Treatments are tailored to your diagnosis. Options may include using a positive airway pressure (PAP) machine to keep your airway open during sleep, oral appliances to reposition your jaw or tongue, or medications for conditions like restless legs syndrome. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely the first choice. It may be considered if other treatments do not work and the cause is a physical blockage like large tonsils or a narrow airway. Possible surgeries include removing tonsils or adjusting the palate. Your specialist will explain if surgery is an option for you.

Living with this condition

Living with a sleep disorder means making some changes to your routine. You may need to use a machine or device every night. It will take time to get used to, but most people feel much better once treatment starts. Keep in touch with your healthcare team and let them know if you have any problems.

Lifestyle tips

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule even on weekends.
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
• Get regular exercise during the day, but not too close to bedtime.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular physical activity can improve sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Avoid heavy meals before sleep. If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Sleep problems can affect your mood, concentration, and energy. It is normal to feel frustrated or anxious. Talk to your doctor if you feel low or worried. Treating the sleep disorder often improves mental health as well.

Prevention

Not all sleep disorders can be prevented, but healthy sleep habits can reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and managing stress are helpful. Some conditions like sleep apnea have genetic risk factors that cannot be changed.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for sleep disorders. Your doctor may recommend a sleep study if you have symptoms. If you have a family history of sleep apnea or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about your sleep health.

Complications

If left untreated

• High blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease
• Stroke
• Daytime sleepiness that raises the risk of accidents
• Worsening of diabetes or other chronic conditions
• Mood disorders like depression or anxiety

Long-term outlook

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most sleep disorders can be managed effectively. Many people feel much more rested and energetic within weeks of starting treatment. There is good reason to be hopeful.

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