A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is a diagnostic test that tracks and records how you breathe, your brain waves, heart rate, and eye and leg movements during sleep. Healthcare providers use sleep studies to diagnose or rule out health issues that affect or disrupt your brain, nervous system, breathing, and heart function. Sleep studies can diagnose a range of sleep disorders, including:
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Obstructive sleep apnea: a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.
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Periodic limb movement disorder: a condition where your legs twitch or jerk involuntarily during sleep.
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Narcolepsy: a condition where you have excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
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Restless legs syndrome: a condition where you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, especially at night.
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Insomnia: a condition where you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
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REM sleep behavior disorder: a condition where you act out vivid dreams during REM sleep.
After completing a sleep study, a physician, such as a pulmonologist or sleep medicine specialist, will review the test records for signs of any problems. They may also work cooperatively with other providers, such as a neurologist, primary care specialist, or another provider you see, to get more information about your medical condition.
