If your doctor suspects sleep apnoea, they may recommend a sleep study. The idea of being monitored overnight can feel strange, but the test is painless and gives important information.
Quick answer: sleep study
- A sleep study records breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate and sleep overnight.
- Full polysomnography is done in a sleep lab; selected patients may have a home test.
- It is painless — sensors are placed on the skin.
- Results guide whether treatment such as CPAP is needed.
Types of sleep study
| Feature | Lab polysomnography | Home sleep test |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Sleep laboratory | Your own bed |
| What it measures | Brain activity, breathing, oxygen, heart, leg and eye movement | Mainly breathing, oxygen and heart rate |
| Best for | Complex cases, other sleep disorders | Selected patients with likely obstructive sleep apnoea |
How to prepare
- Follow your usual routine on the day
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon and evening
- Ask whether to take your usual medicines
- Wash hair and avoid oils or creams
- Bring comfortable night clothes
Understanding the results
Results commonly report how often breathing pauses or reduces each hour (the apnoea-hypopnoea index), oxygen levels and sleep quality. Your doctor explains what the numbers mean for you and recommends treatment if needed. Ask your sleep specialist in Prayagraj about the type of study suited to you and where it is available.
Meet Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya
Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya is a Pulmonologist & Critical Care Specialist in Prayagraj (Allahabad). He holds MBBS, MD and DM (Pulmonary Critical Care, VPCI Delhi) qualifications and is an Assistant Professor at MLN Medical College, Prayagraj.
He is associated with Kamla Multispeciality Hospital, Tagore Town, Prayagraj, where the hospital lists him among its critical-care specialists. The hospital's critical-care department provides care for serious conditions including respiratory distress or respiratory failure and offers respiratory support such as ventilator, BiPAP and CPAP management.
Clinic / Hospital
Kamla Multispeciality Hospital151/38 Anukul Chandra Banerji Marg, Opposite Banshi Bhavan Guest House
Tagore Town, Prayagraj
Uttar Pradesh – 211002
Hospital phone: 92502 40640
Additional contact: +91 92502 40640
Consultation clinic: 48 JLN Road, George Town, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211011
Frequently asked questions
Is a sleep study painful?
No. Sensors are attached to the skin with tape or straps; nothing is inserted into the body.
Can I sleep normally during a sleep study?
Most people sleep enough for a useful result, even if sleep is lighter than usual.
What is the apnoea-hypopnoea index?
It is the average number of breathing pauses or reductions per hour of sleep, used to grade sleep apnoea.
Is a home sleep test as good as a lab test?
For selected patients with likely obstructive sleep apnoea, home tests can be suitable. Lab studies are preferred for complex cases.
How soon will I get results?
It varies by centre; your doctor will review the results with you.
Do I need a sleep study for snoring?
Not always. It is usually recommended when sleep apnoea is suspected.
Looking for a pulmonologist in Prayagraj?
If you have persistent cough, recurring wheeze, unexplained breathlessness, repeated chest infections, asthma or COPD concerns, sleep-related breathing problems or another ongoing respiratory symptom, discuss it with a qualified pulmonologist in Prayagraj (Allahabad). Dr. Rakesh Singh Maurya, Pulmonologist & Critical Care Specialist, is associated with Kamla Multispeciality Hospital.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. For appointments and current consultation information, contact the hospital or clinic directly.