Sleep Study

Sleep is essential to your health. At MaineHealth, we provide comprehensive sleep testing with sleep medicine technologists and doctors from a variety of specialties to diagnose and treat your sleep problems.

What is a sleep study?

An overnight sleep study looks at breathing disorders and body functions as people sleep. Sleep studies help to diagnose sleep disorders. A sleep study also is called a polysomnogram. A sleep study usually is done at a sleep center or with an overnight Home Sleep Testing monitor. A sleep technologist monitors brain waves, heartbeat, leg movements, and breathing as you sleep.

Sleep disorders that a sleep center diagnoses and treats

• Insomnia

• Sleep related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea

• Narcolepsy

• Restless legs syndrome

• Circadian rhythm disturbances

• Daytime sleepiness

If you think you may need a sleep study to diagnose and treat a sleep disorder, talk to your family healthcare provider. You will need a referral.

Preparing for a sleep study

People who go overnight to a sleep center should bring comfortable clothing to sleep in. Sleep centers are designed to feel like a comfortable home. You should bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a change of clothing to wear home the following day. The results of your sleep study will be reviewed and sent to your primary care provider.