Polysomnography (lab sleep study)
The most complete sleep test - recording brain waves, breathing, oxygen, heart rhythm and movement overnight in a sleep lab.
TypeSleep study · Lab
HowSpend a night in a sleep lab with sensors on your head, face, chest and legs.
How oftenWhen home testing is unclear or other sleep disorders are suspected.
BeforeFollow the clinic’s instructions; avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
WhoPeople with complex sleep problems or unclear home test results.
Home test or sleep lab?
A home test measures breathing and oxygen. A lab study also records brain waves, muscle activity and movement - so it can find more than sleep apnea.
CPAP setup
“What pressure do I need?”
Sometimes done in the lab to set treatment.
Treatment
Lab study
“What else is going on?”
For restless legs, narcolepsy, unusual night behaviors, or heart and lung conditions.
Full picture
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Your home test was negative but symptoms persist.
- You may have narcolepsy, restless legs or unusual behaviours in sleep.
- You have heart or lung conditions.
A better option if…
- You likely have straightforward sleep apnea - a home test is often enough.
How it’s measured
In-lab polysomnography
Full overnight monitoring.
The full picture
What is it?
A full overnight sleep study in a lab.
What type of test is it?
A sleep study.
What does it measure?
Brain waves, eye and muscle movement, breathing, oxygen and heart rhythm.
Why might someone consider it?
To diagnose complex sleep disorders.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with unclear or complex sleep symptoms.
How is it performed?
An overnight stay with sensors attached.
How often might it be considered?
When needed.
What can the result help you understand?
What’s disrupting your sleep.
What are its limitations?
Sleeping in a lab may not reflect a normal night.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, home test and wearable data.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Primary care can order a home test.
Sleep clinics
For lab studies and complex cases.
Home test services
Some offer telehealth review - check they’re clinician-led.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Do I need a lab sleep study?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Polysomnography result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Polysomnography result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test