Limited sleep study.
A limited sleep study is a test which tells us information about your breathing whilst you are asleep at night. It allows us to take measurements of many different factors e.g., peripheral oxygen levels, chest, and stomach (abdomen) movement, nasal and oral airflow. It is a painless test.
What are the benefits of having the test done?
This test will allow the doctors to find out whether you are having problems with your breathing when you are asleep.
What does the test involve?
You will need to attend your appointment wearing a T-Shirt that you are happy to sleep in. Bands will be placed over this garment and several small probes will also be attached. These should remain in place overnight whilst you are sleeping. It is important to remove any nail polish or acrylic/gel nail from your index finger as this can invalidate the test. In the morning you will be able to remove the equipment, and this will need returning to the department before 11am. It is very important to return the equipment promptly so that it can be prepared for other patients who are attending later that day.
How long will it take?
The Physiologist will attach the probes and explain how to remove the equipment. They will also give you some forms to complete. This will take about 30 minutes. It will not be necessary to wait when returning the equipment, the following day.
What will happen to the results?
Once downloaded, the results of the study will be reviewed by the Respiratory & Sleep Consultant. They will then either send an appointment for you to be seen in the clinic or write to you and your GP to explain the results. Please allow up to 6 weeks for these results.
Author Michael Nicholson
Date of Publication 29/10/2025
Review Date 01/10/2028
