Article · 2 min read
How Sleep Labs Work
Ever wondered what goes on inside a sleep lab? Take a look behind the scenes at the rooms, the tools, the staff, and the tests.
General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
TESTING · SLEEP LAB
Sleep labs at a glance
- Staff watch you sleep overnight to find sleep problems.
- Sleep study equipment records 16 or more streams of data.
- Rooms are private, like a hotel, with your own bathroom.
- Trained staff watch over you all night.
- Board-certified sleep doctors review your data.
A sleep lab is a special place where sleep problems are found. Staff watch you while you sleep overnight. Knowing how a sleep lab works can help you feel less worried about your study.
What are the rooms like?
Sleep labs are comfortable, professional places.
- Bedrooms — Private bedrooms, like a hotel, with comfortable beds.
- Bathrooms — Private bathrooms.
- Temperature — Rooms where the heat and cool air are set just right.
- Things to do — TV and things to read.
- Central desk — A desk where technologists (trained sleep staff) watch over patients.
What tools does a sleep lab use?
- Sleep study equipment — Polysomnography (sleep study) equipment records 16 or more streams of data.
- Night cameras — Infrared cameras can record video in the dark.
- Intercom — You can talk with staff.
- CPAP and BiPAP machines — These are used for titration studies. The machines blow air to keep your airway open. A titration study finds the right air pressure for you.
Who will take care of you?
Trained staff watch over you all night. Board-certified sleep doctors review your data.
- Sleep technologists — Registered polysomnographic technologists (RPSGTs). These are staff trained and certified to run sleep studies.
- Sleep doctors — Board-certified sleep medicine doctors.
- Support staff — They help you feel comfortable.
TESTING · SLEEP LAB
What you will find inside
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Your room | Private bedroom with a comfortable bed, set temperature, TV and reading |
| Bathroom | Your own private bathroom |
| Sleep recording | Equipment that records 16 or more streams of data |
| Cameras | Infrared cameras that record video in the dark |
| Talking to staff | An intercom so you can talk with staff |
| Breathing machines | CPAP and BiPAP for finding your right air pressure |
| The team | Certified sleep technologists, sleep doctors and support staff |
Common questions
Are sleep labs comfortable?
Today's sleep labs are made to be comfortable. They have private rooms, regular beds, and a homey feel. Most people find them much more comfortable than they expected.
Trusted medical sources
This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.
Further reading
- NHLBISleep Studies
- AASMWhat to Expect at a Sleep Center
- Mayo ClinicPolysomnography
- NIHSleep Disorders
- AASMSleep Education
- CDCSleep Health
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