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What is a Sleep Study?

What is a Sleep Study?Polysomnography is the medical term for a sleep study. It involves the monitoring of various aspects of the body’s activity during sleep. It is the best way to make a definitive diagnosis of various sleep disorders, such as:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
  • Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep
  • Parasomnias, such as bruxism (tooth grinding) or sleep walking

Before bedtime, our technologists will attach several monitoring devices to your skin (electrodes, belts, sensors) that will allow us to assess your sleep patterns.  They are quite small and are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Most people do not find that they prevent them from falling asleep.  We recognize that your sleep in the center may not be exactly like your sleep at home, but this rarely interferes with the quality of the study.  We are able to assess:

  • Brain Activity
  • Eye Movements
  • Muscle Tone
  • Respiratory Airflow
  • Respiratory Muscle Effort


  • Leg Movements
  • Blood Oxygen Levels
  • Body Position
  • Sound

This information is fed into a computer while you sleep and is monitored by skilled technicians. Then it is reviewed and interpreted by a sleep specialist to determine the cause of your sleep complaint or daytime sleepiness.  A Polysomnography enables the severity of the disorder to be accurately graded so that the most suitable treatment can be chosen for you.

Please download and complete the required forms for patient registration, to be submitted on the night of your study.  If you do not have access to a printer, you may pick up a packet at our office, or fill out the forms upon your arrival to your scheduled appointment.