Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

What is a Polysomnography (PSG) Sleep Study?

While home kits are available, a Polysomnography (PSG)—an in-lab sleep study—remains the gold standard for accurately diagnosing complex sleep conditions. Conducted at our state-of-the-art sleep center, this overnight evaluation provides the comprehensive data your physician needs to create a personalized treatment plan.

An in-lab sleep study is essential for diagnosing disorders such as:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
3. Narcolepsy
4. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

What to Expect During Your Sleep Study

Entering a sleep lab can feel intimidating, but the process is non-invasive and designed for your comfort.

1. Sensor Placement: A certified sleep technician will place small, painless sensors on your head, face, chest, and legs.

2. Real-Time Monitoring: These sensors connect to a computer, allowing our team to monitor your vitals from a separate room while you sleep.

3. Comprehensive Data: We track your brain waves (EEG), eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels throughout the night.

Note: You don’t need a “perfect” night’s sleep to get results. Even if you wake up occasionally, our technicians can usually gather enough data to form an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding Your Results: The AHI Score

To diagnose the severity of sleep apnea, we use the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). This score represents the number of “events”—pauses in breathing (apneas) or shallow breathing (hypopneas)—that occur per hour of sleep.

Based on your specific score and the physiological data collected (such as oxygen drops and heart rate spikes), your doctor will recommend the most effective therapy, such as CPAP treatment or lifestyle adjustments.

Ready to wake up feeling refreshed?

If you’re struggling with daytime fatigue or loud snoring, a professional sleep study is the first step toward better health.

Frequently Asked Questions About PSG Tests

Do I need to sleep the whole night to get results?

No. While a full night is ideal, we only need a few hours of recorded sleep data to identify patterns and reach a diagnosis. Most patients find they sleep better in the lab than they anticipated!

Is a sleep study painful?

Not at all. The sensors are applied to the surface of the skin using a mild adhesive or medical tape. There are no needles involved, and you can still move around or turn over in bed.

Will I have a private room?

Yes. Our state-of-the-art sleep center provides private, comfortable rooms designed to mimic a home or hotel environment, ensuring you feel as relaxed as possible.

When will I get my results?

Once the study is complete, a board-certified sleep physician will review the data. Typically, your referring doctor will receive the full report and discuss the results with you within 7–10 business days.

Packing Checklist: What to Bring

To make your overnight stay as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing the following:

1. Comfortable Sleepwear: Loose-fitting pajamas or a T-shirt and shorts. (Avoid silk or satin, as they can interfere with sensor placement).
2. Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and any skincare products you use before bed.
3. Medications: Bring any routine medications you normally take in the evening or morning (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor).
4. A “Home” Comfort: Feel free to bring your own pillow or a favorite book to help you relax.

5. Change of Clothes: For the following morning.