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Patient sleeping in a medical clinic doing polysomnography (sleep study)

Why choose Geisinger for a sleep study?

When sleep is a problem, you need answers — and a better night’s rest. A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, can help identify the causes of daytime sleepiness, disrupted sleep or snoring. Our specialists use sleep testing to diagnose conditions including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia and restless legs syndrome.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend an at-home sleep test or an in-lab sleep study. Our sleep centers, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, offer private, comfortable rooms, and scheduling options include appointments designed to accommodate shift workers.

Our Pediatric Sleep Center is also available for children who need evaluation and treatment for sleep disorders.

Conditions we help diagnose

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FAQs

What’s a sleep study?

A sleep study is a test used to diagnose sleep disorders in children and adults. During the study, sensors monitor functions such as breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate and brain activity to identify disruptions that may affect sleep quality.

What can a sleep study diagnose?

Sleep studies can help diagnose conditions including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, nocturnal seizures, sleep-wake cycle disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia. Your doctor will look at your symptoms and medical history to determine whether sleep testing is right for you.

How do you prepare for a sleep study?

Try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible before your sleep study. You may be asked to avoid alcohol, caffeine or daytime naps before testing. Before an in-lab study, skip lotion and hair products — these can interfere with the sensors. Bring comfortable sleepwear and anything you use as part of your normal bedtime routine. Let your care team know about any medications or supplements you take.

What’s the difference between a sleep lab study and an at-home sleep test?

An in-lab sleep study is performed in a specialized sleep center and monitors a range of body functions while you sleep. An at-home sleep test uses portable equipment to record breathing patterns and oxygen levels while you sleep in your own bed. Your provider will help you decide which type of testing makes the most sense for your symptoms and health needs.

How do I know if my child needs a pediatric sleep study?

Talk with your pediatrician if your child has symptoms like loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty staying asleep or ongoing sleep concerns that affect their daily life. Your child's doctor can help determine whether a pediatric sleep study makes sense and refer you to the right care team.

Sleep studies at Geisinger

Our sleep testing program is built around you — with accredited centers, flexible scheduling and a team that treats patients of all ages. We offer:

  • Accredited sleep centers: Sleep centers are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for in-center and in-home sleep testing as well as CPAP and BiPAP equipment distribution.
  • Comfortable, flexible testing: Sleep lab rooms are designed to help you relax, and our scheduling options fit a range of sleep schedules, including shift workers. You may also qualify for sleep apnea testing at home.
  • Pediatric sleep center: Specialized pediatric teams evaluate and treat sleep disorders in children using age-appropriate testing and treatment approaches tailored to each child's needs.
  • Care close to home: Sleep medicine services are available in central and northeastern Pennsylvania for consultations, testing and follow-up care.