How to Get a Sleep Study: What to Expect and How to Find an Accredited Center

If you've been told you might need a sleep study, it's natural to wonder what that involves. Will you have to sleep in a hospital? Will you be able to sleep at all with wires attached? This guide walks through the process from start to finish so you know what to expect.

Who needs a sleep study?

A sleep study records what your body does while you sleep. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), results help clinicians diagnose conditions such as:

• Sleep apnea and other breathing problems during sleep
• Narcolepsy and other causes of excessive daytime sleepiness
• Movement disorders during sleep, including periodic limb movements
• Unusual behaviors during sleep, such as acting out dreams
• Sleep-related seizures

Not every sleep problem needs a study. For example, insomnia is usually diagnosed through a careful conversation and a sleep diary. A study is generally added only if another disorder, such as sleep apnea, is suspected.

Step 1: Talk with a clinician

Sleep studies are usually ordered after an evaluation. Start with your primary care clinician, or with a sleep specialist if your plan lets you go directly. Bring:

• A description of your symptoms and how long they've been going on
• Observations from a bed partner, such as snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping, or unusual movements
• A list of your medicines and supplements
• One to two weeks of sleep diary notes, if you have them

You may be asked to complete a screening questionnaire. These help estimate risk, but the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) says questionnaires alone should not be used to diagnose sleep apnea. A sleep test is still needed.

Step 2: In-lab or at home?

Your clinician will recommend the type of test that fits your situation.

The AASM's diagnostic guideline calls in-lab polysomnography the standard test. A home test is an accepted option for many uncomplicated adults with suspected sleep apnea. If a home test is negative, inconclusive, or technically poor, an in-lab study is recommended. People with significant heart or lung disease, a history of stroke, chronic opioid use, certain neuromuscular conditions, or severe insomnia are generally tested in a lab.

The NHLBI also describes daytime tests, such as the multiple sleep latency test, which measures how quickly you fall asleep during a series of naps. These are used when narcolepsy or another cause of serious daytime sleepiness is suspected.

Step 3: Find an accredited sleep center

Accreditation means a center has met national standards for its staff, equipment, and procedures. The AASM keeps a free, searchable directory of accredited sleep centers. Centers must hold AASM accreditation to be listed.

When you call a center, it's reasonable to ask:

• Is the center accredited, and who reads the studies?
• Is the study in-network with my insurance, and is prior authorization needed?
• What will I owe, and are there separate charges for the study and the interpretation?
• How soon will I get results, and who will explain them?

Costs vary widely by plan, location, and type of test, so call your insurer before scheduling and ask what your plan covers. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can ask their VA care team about sleep testing.

Step 4: What the night is like

For an in-lab study, you typically arrive in the evening, about two hours before your usual bedtime. The room is usually set up to feel more like a simple hotel room than a hospital room.

1. Setup. A technologist places small sensors on your scalp, face, chin, chest, and legs with gentle adhesive or paste, plus a soft belt around your chest and a small sensor on your finger. Setup is painless and takes a while, so it's a good time to ask questions.
2. Settling in. You can read or watch TV until it's time for lights out. The wires are gathered so you can turn over in bed.
3. Overnight. The technologist watches the recording from another room and can come in if a sensor slips or you need to get up.
4. Possible treatment trial. If significant sleep apnea shows up early, some centers try positive airway pressure (CPAP) during the second part of the night. This is called a split-night study.
5. Morning. Sensors are removed, and you're usually free to go home or to work.

For a home test, you'll get instructions and a small device to wear for one night, sometimes two. You may need to set up a phone app.

How to prepare

• Follow the center's instructions. Unless told otherwise, avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of the test.
• Ask whether to take your usual medicines. Don't stop any medicine on your own.
• Wash your hair and skip oils, gels, and heavy lotions so sensors stick well.
• Bring comfortable sleepwear, your own pillow if you like, and your usual bedtime items.
• Try to avoid naps that day.

Results and next steps

A sleep physician reviews the recording, which can take a little while. Your clinician will go over the results and recommend next steps. For sleep apnea, that may include CPAP, an oral appliance, or another approach. Don't hesitate to ask what the numbers mean for you, what your options are, and when to follow up. If treatment begins, tell your care team early if something isn't comfortable. Most problems, like mask fit, can be solved.

Last reviewed and updated October 17, 2026. This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for advice from your own clinician. Read our medical disclaimer and editorial standards.