Understanding Sleep Studies
When Poor Sleep Needs More Than a Smartwatch.
5 min read
Today, many people first become concerned about their sleep after reviewing data from a smartwatch, fitness tracker or sleep app. While these technologies have helped raise awareness of sleep health, they cannot diagnose a medical sleep disorder. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice rather than relying solely on consumer technology.
This guide explains when you should speak to your GP, the different types of sleep studies available, and what each investigation can help diagnose.
When Should You Speak to Your GP?
Occasional poor sleep is common, but persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires further assessment.
Consider speaking to your GP if you:
- Snore loudly or have been told you stop breathing during sleep
- Wake up gasping or choking during the night
- Feel excessively sleepy during the day despite getting enough sleep
- Frequently wake feeling unrefreshed
- Struggle to get to sleep, stay asleep or are waking up too early
- Experience unusual movements or behaviours while asleep
- Wake with morning headaches or have difficulty concentrating during the day
- Have restless legs that make it difficult to fall asleep
There are more than 80 recognised sleep disorders, ranging from obstructive sleep apnoea and insomnia to movement disorders, circadian rhythm disorders and neurological sleep conditions. Your symptoms will help your GP determine whether further investigation is appropriate and which type of sleep study is most suitable.
Can My Smartwatch Diagnose a Sleep Disorder?
Smartwatches, smart rings and sleep-tracking apps estimate sleep using movement, heart rate and other sensors. They can be useful for identifying patterns over time and encouraging people to think about their sleep.
Consumer devices:
- Can identify trends in your sleep
- May highlight possible sleep disturbances
- Cannot diagnose sleep apnoea or other sleep disorders
- Do not directly measure brain activity or accurately determine sleep stages
Despite them having limitations , If your wearable suggests poor sleep, or you continue to experience symptoms despite reassuring readings, it’s worth discussing this with your GP.
Different Types of Sleep Studies
The right investigation depends on your symptoms. Not everyone requires the most detailed sleep study, and your GP or sleep specialist will recommend the test most likely to answer the clinical question.
1. Home Sleep Screening
Home screening devices from brands such as WatchPAT or AcuPebble, are designed to identify people who may have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
These tests typically monitor:
- Oxygen levels
- Heart rate
- Breathing patterns
They are convenient, easy to use and performed in your own home.
They work particularly well for patients with a high likelihood of obstructive sleep apnoea, but they are not designed to diagnose every type of sleep disorder. If symptoms suggest a more complex condition, further testing may be recommended.
2. Respiratory Polygraphy
Respiratory polygraphy provides a more detailed assessment of breathing during sleep and is more commonly used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep-related breathing disorders.
The test records several physiological signals, including:
- Airflow
- Breathing effort
- Oxygen levels
- Heart rate
- Body position
Most respiratory polygraphy studies are performed comfortably in your own home.
While highly effective for assessing breathing during sleep, these studies are focused on respiratory conditions and are not intended to diagnose neurological or behavioural sleep disorders.
3. Video Polysomnography – The Gold Standard
For patients with more complex symptoms, your clinician may recommend video polysomnography (often called a sleep study or PSG).
This is considered the gold standard for investigating many sleep disorders because it records a comprehensive range of information during sleep, including:
- Brain activity
- Eye movements
- Muscle activity
- Heart rhythm
- Breathing
- Oxygen levels
- Video recording throughout the night
This allows specialists to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including:
- Sleep related breathing disorders
- Parasomnias (such as sleepwalking or acting out dreams)
- Nocturnal seizures
- Certain movement disorders
- Other complex sleep conditions
Many patients are surprised to learn that, in appropriate circumstances, this level of investigation can now often be carried out in the comfort of their own home rather than requiring an overnight hospital stay. You can learn more about this test on Independent Physiological Diagnostics webpage.
What Happens After a Sleep Study?
Once your sleep study has been completed, the data is carefully analysed by experienced sleep physiologists and reviewed by a specialist sleep clinician.
Your results are then shared with your referring GP or consultant, who will discuss the findings with you and recommend any further treatment if needed.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle advice
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Mandibular advancement devices (MADs)
- Treatment for insomnia
- Referral to another specialist if appropriate
- Sleep optimisation advise
Final Thoughts
Sleep disorders are common, but many are highly treatable once they have been accurately diagnosed.
If you’re experiencing persistent snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia or other ongoing sleep concerns, it’s worth discussing your symptoms with your GP. An appropriate sleep assessment can help identify the underlying cause and ensure you receive the right diagnostic test and treatment, helping improve not only your sleep, but your overall health and quality of life.