Sleep Study Test: Details, Purpose, Results & Cost [2024]
What is a Sleep Study Test?
The sleep study test is a comprehensive sleep disorder diagnostic test. It is also known as polysomnography or sleep apnea test. The test evaluates body functions like breathing rate, brain waves, eye movements, blood oxygen while you are asleep.
An experienced sleep specialist oversees the entire polysomnography procedure and analyses the results. A sleep study expert can do polysomnography testing at home, and asleep centre or a designated area in the hospital. The patient has to come for the sleep study test in the late evening to record the various sleep patterns while the patient is sleeping.
You may be able to complete the sleep study at home in some cases. Home sleep apnea testing relies on a small number of sensors to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Sleep Apnea, Polysomnography, Sleep Disorder Test |
| Purpose | To detect Insomnia, Narcolepsy, Unusual Sleep Behaviour, any other Sleep Disorder |
| Preparation | Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, avoid taking an afternoon nap, quiet room, comfortable clothes |
| Fasting | No |
| Machine Used | Polysomnogram |
| Reporting Time | About one week |
| Cost | Rs 6500 to Rs 25000 |
Sleep Study Test Costs in India [2022]
In India, sleep study test costs range from Rs 8000 to Rs 20000. The price depends upon the type of sleep study and the facilities provided.
We offer sleep study at an affordable price of Rs 4500. The table below shows the cost of a sleep study in major cities.
Most sleep studies monitor at home due to the need for peaceful environments and the requirement of night sleep. Diagnostic centres train their specialists to conduct the test with all the arrangements of sleep study equipment at home.
| City Name | Cost Range |
| Delhi | Rs 12000 to Rs 20000 |
| Gurgaon | Rs 12000 to Rs 20000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 5000 to Rs 15000 |
| Chennai | Rs 5000 to Rs 12000 |
| Mumbai | Rs 5000 to Rs 10500 |
| Bangalore | Rs 5000 to Rs 15000 |
Sleep Study Prices at Popular Diagnostic Centres in India [2022]
Check out the sleep study prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres in India are listed below:
| City Name | Cost Range |
| Wellcare Sleep Solutions | Rs 12000 |
| Sleep Cure Solutions | Rs 8000 to Rs 12000 |
| Aarthi Scan | Rs 5000 |
| Janta Xray | Rs 14000 |
| Sleep Apnoea India | Rs 13000 |
Purpose of Sleep Study Test
Healthcare professionals use the test to diagnose sleep disorders. Some of the common purposes of the sleep study are-
- Sleep apnea (sleep disturbance due to breathing interruptions)
- Insomnia or Chronic Insomnia- Not able to fall asleep
- Narcolepsy – Sudden and too much sleep during the day
- Limb movements – A sleep disorder in which a person involuntarily stretches and bends their legs while sleeping. Restless leg syndrome is associated with this periodic limb movement.
- Unusual behaviours – If the patient has any unusual behaviour complaints, such as rhythmic movements, moving around or walking a lot, the doctor may recommend polysomnography.
How to Prepare for Sleep Study
The doctor or sleep specialist will thoroughly explain the polysomnography test to the patient. Some of the things to keep in mind are as follows:
- Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, especially in the afternoon and evening before the test. Caffeine and alcohol may disrupt the patient’s sleep pattern and intensify the symptoms of a sleep disorder.
- You must avoid taking a nap in the afternoon.
- The test requires you to stay overnight, so take your nightwear along. It is advised not to wear tight and uncomfortable clothes that disturb sleep.
- The technician may ask you to shower before the sleep study test. Avoid using any lotion, deodorant, or makeup.
- The polysomnography room would be tranquil and dark, allowing the patient to fall asleep quickly.
- Report your technician about any medicines you are taking.
Procedure
The sleep study procedure is performed in a hospital, clinic, or home. The entire procedure of sleep is monitored between the 2 phases. The two phases are rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM).
NREM is the phase when a person falls asleep. REM is the phase 1-2 hours after the person falls asleep.
- The technician puts sensors on the scalp, chin, chest, eyelids, and legs. These sensors remain attached throughout the night and are removed in the morning.
- The sensors are connected to the computer to monitor the body’s functions.
- The technician monitors the following parameters.
- Heart rate
- Breathing pattern
- Brain waves
- Eye movement
- Level of oxygen in the blood
- Body positions
- Muscle tone
- Chest and abdominal movement
- Leg movements
- Snoring or other activities
- The technician may use positive airway pressure (PAP) machine in people having difficulty sleeping. The device gently inserts air to improve breathing by keeping the airways open.
- The following day sensors are removed, and you can resume your routine activities.
Risks
Sleep study test is a safe, non-invasive, painless procedure with no risks and side effects. Some may experience skin irritation or mild rashes from the sensors.
Sleep Study Result Interpretation
The test marks the sleep stages and identifies any breathing or movement abnormalities or other sleep disorders. Following the test, the doctor or physician diagnoses and detects any sleep disorders based on the graphs obtained on the patient’s sleep cycles. Your doctor will discuss the result and explain it in detail.
Doctors use Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) to detect sleep apnea.
Types of Sleep Study
There are five types of sleep study. The type your doctor recommends will depend on one’s symptoms.
1. Diagnostic Overnight Polysomnography (PSG)
A test that is used to track sleep and various body activities while sleeping, such as:
- Oxygen levels in the blood
- Movement of the limbs
- Patterns of breathing
- Heart Beats
2. Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
Measure your degree of sleepiness during the day. A sleep technologist will perform this test the morning after you’ve had a diagnostic overnight PSG. It tracks how quickly you fall asleep during the day in peaceful surroundings, as well as how often you enter Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
3. Two-night Evaluation PSG and CPAP Titration
If you have sleep apnea, the sleep doctor will ask you to return the next night to determine what air pressure is appropriate for your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. CPAP delivers air into your airways via a special nasal mask.
CPAP is needed because of Sleep Apnea and Hypopnea. Both are very similar but differ in significant ways. When you have sleep hypopnea, you take shallow breaths for 10 seconds or longer while sleeping, and your airflow is at least 30% lower than usual. However, because your airway is only partially blocked, you continue to breathe.
When you have sleep apnea, your airways become entirely obstructed, causing you to stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during the night. In either case, you may wake up several times during the night to catch your breath without realising it.
4. Split-night PSG with CPAP Titration
A test is performed when you have or suspect you have moderate to severe sleep apnea. The sleep professional uses the second half of the night to determine the necessary CPAP pressure to compensate for your apnea.
5. Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
Instead of going to a sleep centre, your doctor may allow you to use an at-home sleep study test to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You can either ask a technician to visit your home or collect the device for a self home setup. The home sleep study is recommended when:
- You’re under the care of a sleep specialist.
- You don’t have any other sleep problems.
- Your doctor believes you have a high chance of having OSA.
- You don’t have severe health issues such as lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes.
Sleep Study Test Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.