Sleep Study
An overnight test that helps identify the real cause behind poor sleep, snoring, and daytime fatigue
If you’ve been advised to undergo a sleep study, you may be wondering what happens during the test and why it’s needed. This page explains everything clearly — from what a sleep study checks to what you can expect during the night.
What is a sleep study?
A sleep study, also called polysomnography, is a test that monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns while you sleep.
The study helps Dr. Swapnil understand whether your sleep is being disturbed by breathing problems such as sleep apnea or other sleep-related conditions.
Small sensors are placed on your body to record important information during sleep. These sensors do not cause pain and are designed to be comfortable.
The test can either be done at a sleep lab or sometimes from the comfort of your home, depending on your condition.
In simple words: A sleep study checks what happens to your body while you sleep and helps identify hidden sleep and breathing problems.
What the sleep study monitors
Breathing pattern
Tracks pauses or difficulty in breathing during sleep
Oxygen levels
Checks whether oxygen drops while you sleep
Heart rate
Monitors changes in heartbeat during the night
Body movements & sleep stages
Records sleep quality and disturbances
Snoring & airflow
Measures snoring intensity and airflow blockage
WHY IS A SLEEP STUDY DONE?
recommended a sleep study?
Loud snoring
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Breathing pauses during sleep
Morning headaches
Poor oxygen levels during sleep can contribute to headaches after waking up.
Poor sleep quality
High blood pressure
What to expect during
your sleep study
Before the procedure
Basic preparation
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before the test. Wear comfortable clothing and follow the instructions shared by Dr. Swapnil’s team.
Sensor placement
Sensor placement
Small sensors are attached to your chest, scalp, finger, and face to monitor breathing and sleep activity.
During sleep
Overnight recording
You sleep normally while the system records breathing, oxygen levels, movements, and sleep patterns throughout the night.
Morning completion
Sensors removed
The sensors are removed in the morning, and you can usually return to normal activities immediately.
Results & diagnosis
Reviewing the findings
Dr. Swapnil will analyse the sleep data and explain whether conditions like sleep apnea or other sleep disorders are present.
Is a sleep study safe?
Yes. A sleep study is completely safe, painless, and non-invasive.
- No injections or surgery are involved
- The sensors only record body activity
- Most patients adjust to the sensors within a short time
- The test does not interfere with breathing
- Dr. Swapnil’s team monitors the study carefully
Your doctor
Dr. Swapnil Thorve
Dr. Swapnil has performed hundreds of bronchoscopies across his 10+ years of clinical practice at LTMMC & GH Sion, Gurunanak Hospital, and other leading Mumbai hospitals. His gold medal academic training and specialisation in interventional pulmonology means every procedure is performed with the highest level of precision and care.
- DNB Pulmonary Medicine — Lilavati Hospital, Bandra
- Fellowship in Pulmonary Critical Care — LTMMC Sion
- European Diploma in Adult Respiratory Medicine — ERS
- Gold Medalist · MUHS, Maharashtra
- 20+ research articles in indexed journals
Frequently asked questions
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, WhatsApp Dr. Swapnil’s team directly — they’ll respond promptly.
Yes. Most patients sleep well enough for the study to collect accurate information.
No. The test is completely painless and non-invasive.
In some cases, yes. Dr. Swapnil may recommend a home sleep study depending on your symptoms.
It commonly helps diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, snoring-related disorders, and other sleep-related breathing problems.
Most sleep studies are done overnight while you sleep.
Ready to get started
Ready to Breath Easier?
Book a consultation with Dr. Swapnil Thorve at Sion Hospital or Gurunanak Hospital, Bandra. Same-week appointments available.