How Does Sleep Study Work: Everything You Need to Know

Many people ask, “How does a sleep study work​?” when they first begin experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea. A sleep test shows how you breathe, how your sleep cycles behave, and why fatigue follows you into the day. If you snore, stop breathing at night, or feel unusually tired, a study can uncover the cause. You can choose an at-home sleep test in New York or an in-lab survey based on your needs.

A better understanding of sleep studies takes the pressure off the process. Whether you test at home or in a clinic, the goal is to find out what’s interrupting your sleep and choose a solution that works for your everyday life. Many patients discover that an oral appliance brings real comfort once obstructive sleep apnea is confirmed.

What Is a Sleep Study and Why Is It Done

A sleep study, also called polysomnography, monitors your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep. This test enables your doctor to evaluate your sleep stages, assess the function of your airway, and determine the overall quality of your rest.

Doctors rely on these tests to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea. The study identifies breathing pauses, oxygen drops, and repeated awakenings. This information guides your provider toward the right treatment path.

Doctors often suggest oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea. It’s comfortable and avoids the difficulties that come with using a CPAP machine.

Types of Sleep Studies and What They Measure

Different test styles help diagnose different sleep issues. A clear overview of the types of sleep studies makes the choice easier.

In-lab Sleep Study

An overnight sleep study explained simply: you sleep in a private room while sensors track airflow, heart rate, oxygen, and brain waves. This test provides the most detailed information.

At-Home Sleep Studies

You can choose from two accurate, comfortable home-based options:

Belun Ring Home Sleep Test:

The Belun Ring offers the newest and most advanced screening option. You slip it on like a ring and sleep normally. It captures hospital-grade data on oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep stages. This test screens for sleep-disordered breathing and shows whether you need a physician-reviewed diagnosis.

RestAssured Telemedicine Sleep Test:

New patients without a diagnosis often turn to RestAssured. The telemedicine setup lets you complete the test at home, and a licensed sleep physician reviews everything remotely. This option is suitable for individuals who require a formal diagnosis before commencing treatment.

What The Tests Measure

A sleep study uses several tools, including:

• Sleep monitoring equipment that tracks airflow and oxygen
• Sensors that measure breathing effort and snoring
• Systems that show how sleep patterns are measured
• Devices that capture sleep stages and breathing analysis

This data highlights the importance of sleep studies and their ability to identify specific sleep disorders.

What Happens During a Sleep Study

Most patients feel more comfortable once they know what to expect during a sleep study.

Preparing for a Sleep Study

Your doctor may ask you to avoid caffeine late in the day and follow your normal routine. You complete a short checklist, which helps the test capture natural sleep patterns.

During the Study

In a clinic, a technician applies sensors to track sleep stages, breathing, and movement. At home, you use the Belun Ring or RestAssured kit. Both options keep the process simple and allow for a natural sleep cycle.

Breathing and Sleep Evaluation

The test records each breathing pause, oxygen drop, snore, and sleep-stage shift. This information helps your provider guide you through the sleep study process step by step once the test is complete.

Result Interpretation

Your provider reviews the data and explains how doctors analyze sleep study results to determine the severity of your sleep apnea. Many patients opt for a custom oral appliance that gently opens the airway, providing a quieter and more comfortable alternative to CPAP.

Home vs. In-Lab Sleep Studies

Patients often compare a home sleep study vs. a lab sleep study before choosing a test.

Home Sleep Study

A home test maintains privacy and provides reliable results. The Belun Ring and RestAssured keep at-home testing easy to use.

In-Lab Sleep Study

A lab study provides a deeper analysis and is best suited for complex cases or unclear symptoms.

Ready to Start Sleeping Better?

A sleep study helps your doctor find the source of your sleep concerns and guides you toward treatment that fits your routine. Many patients opt for oral appliance therapy after diagnosis because it offers relief without the noise, straps, or pressure associated with CPAP.

Silent Night Therapy offers an at-home sleep test in New York, interprets your results, and builds a treatment plan designed around your comfort. Contact us online or call (631) 983-2463 to schedule your appointment and begin your path toward deeper, healthier sleep.