Do You Need a Sleep Study?

Symptoms to discuss with a clinician

A clinician may recommend a sleep study if your symptoms suggest a breathing problem or another sleep disorder. Mention any of the following during your evaluation:

• Loud, chronic snoring — especially if someone has heard you gasp, choke, or stop breathing
• Waking with a dry mouth, a headache, or a racing heart
• Significant daytime sleepiness, including difficulty staying awake while driving.
• High blood pressure that will not settle, in combination with the symptoms above
• Acting out dreams, violent limb movements, or other behavior during sleep that alarms your household

These symptoms deserve medical evaluation. They do not establish a diagnosis on their own, and the appropriate test depends on your symptoms and health history.

Symptoms commonly associated with insomnia

Insomnia may involve any of these experiences:

• Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or getting back to sleep after waking early.
• Worry or racing thoughts when you try to sleep.
• Sleeping more easily away from home or when you are not trying to sleep.
• Feeling exhausted but finding it hard to fall asleep.

These symptoms do not rule out sleep apnea; the two conditions can occur together. A clinician usually diagnoses insomnia from your sleep history and daytime symptoms. Sleep studies are not routinely needed for insomnia, but may be recommended if another disorder is suspected.

What a sleep study measures

An overnight laboratory study records breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, movements and sleep stages. A home sleep apnea test uses fewer sensors and primarily assesses breathing during sleep. Your clinician decides which test is appropriate.

Testing can identify specific sleep disorders, but it does not explain every cause of poor sleep. Results need to be considered alongside your symptoms and medical history.

How to arrange testing

Start by discussing your symptoms with a clinician. If testing is appropriate, they can refer you for a home sleep apnea test or a laboratory study. Coverage and any referral requirements depend on your insurance plan.

If a test does not explain your symptoms, follow up with the ordering clinician. A negative home test does not always rule out sleep apnea, and further evaluation may be needed. If insomnia is part of the problem, CBT-I may help.

Insomnia care and referrals

Michigan Sleep Center provides CBT-I for insomnia. Sleep apnea and insomnia often occur together; we treat insomnia and coordinate referrals to partners who treat apnea. Learn more about insomnia treatment.

Most patients see Michigan-licensed clinicians by video. Limited in-person appointments are available; confirm availability when booking.