Sleep studies are often performed in a clinical setting, but can also be performed at home if recommended by a physician. For sleep studies in the clinic, patients typically report to the clinic a few hours before bedtime. Electrodes are then placed on the scalp, chin, head, and corners of the eyes to measure brain activity, breathing, and blood oxygen levels, as well as eye and leg movements throughout the night. A technician monitors the patient during the test, recording the number of times that breathing stops and looking for signs and symptoms that would differentiate OSA from other sleep disorders.[1]
How are sleep studies performed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Sleep studies can be conducted in a clinical setting or at home, depending on a physician's recommendation. In a clinic, a person arrives before bedtime, and electrodes are placed to monitor various physiological parameters throughout the night while a technician observes for signs of obstructive sleep apnea.