Sleep Studies

Personalized testing to help you sleep better 

A sleep study can help diagnose conditions that interrupt your sleep and affect your health. At Banner Health, we offer both in-center and at-home sleep testing options to help you get the answers you need in the most comfortable setting possible. 

Our sleep specialists will guide you from evaluation to results so you can move forward with a treatment plan that supports better rest. 

What is a sleep study? 

A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, monitors your breathing, brain activity and body movements while you sleep. This data helps your care team understand what’s causing your sleep problems. 

Sleep studies may be recommended if you experience: 

• Loud snoring or gasping during sleep 
• Daytime sleepiness or trouble focusing 
• Frequent waking in the night 
• Morning headaches 
• Restlessness or unusual movements during sleep 

Types of sleep studies 

Your sleep medicine provider will recommend the right test for your situation. Common options include: 

• Overnight sleep study (polysomnogram): Tracks your sleep stages, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels and more throughout the night. 
• At-home sleep test: A simple device tracks breathing and oxygen changes. Often used for evaluating obstructive sleep apnea. 
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): A daytime test that measures how quickly you fall asleep, often used for suspected narcolepsy. 
• Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): Shows how well you can stay awake in a quiet daytime environment, often required for safety-sensitive jobs.
  Where sleep studies take place 

At-home testing 

A convenient option that allows you to sleep in your own bed. A portable device measures breathing and oxygen levels. 

Ideal for: 

• Adults being evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea 
• Patients with fewer medical complexities 

If results are unclear, a follow-up in-center study may be recommended. 

In-center sleep study 

A non-invasive overnight test performed in a quiet, comfortable Banner sleep lab. 

Monitors: 

• REM and non-REM sleep cycles 
• Heart rhythm 
• Breathing effort and airflow 
• Oxygen levels 
• Movements during sleep 

Pediatric sleep labs include child-friendly rooms and a space for caregivers to stay overnight. 

How long does a sleep study take? 

Most sleep studies last 6–8 hours and are scheduled around your normal sleep routine. You will typically go home the next morning. 

Your sleep medicine care team 

Your team may include: 

• Sleep physicians 
• Sleep technologists 
• Respiratory therapists 
• Specialty consultants as needed 
• Your primary care provider 

Together, they will review your results and create a personalized treatment plan. 

How to prepare for a sleep study 

You may be asked to: 

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before testing 
• Skip daytime naps 
• Shower beforehand and avoid lotions, oils or heavy makeup 
• Bring comfortable sleepwear and medications you take 

You’ll receive detailed instructions before your study. 

Schedule a sleep evaluation 
Get started with a referral from your primary care provider or contact our team today. 

Find a sleep specialist 
Our providers are ready to help you sleep better.