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Neurological Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
A neurological sleep study is used to monitor brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, muscle tone, and breathing pattern while you sleep.
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What is a neurological sleep study?
A neurological sleep study, also called a polysomnograph, will be recommended if you’re showing signs of having a neurological sleep disorder, such as:
sleep apnoea
sleep-related movement disorders, such as periodic leg movement disorder (PLMD)
parasomnias
The study uses disc electrodes and sensors secured with tape or paste to monitor brain activity, heart rate, muscle tone, eye movements and breathing patterns while you sleep.
It’s considered the “gold standard” for assessing sleep disorders and is often recommended when you experience symptoms such as:
loud snoring or choking during sleep
excessive daytime tiredness
difficulty falling or staying asleep
sudden muscle weakness
unexplained night-time movements
restless or disturbed sleep patterns
At Welbeck, this diagnostic test is conducted by our expert physiologists. You’ll either come to our dedicated Sleep Centre, to be fitted with the equipment, then take it home for one night. Or, for your convenience, we can visit you at home or our partner hotel to set up the equipment and collect it the next morning.
What does a neurological sleep study involve?
Preparation takes around 45 to 60 minutes, which involves the physiologist attaching small disposable disc electrodes onto your head using a sticky, water-soluble paste. The scalp and skin will be cleaned with a gritty cream before the electrode is attached. Additional electrodes will be applied to your shoulder area to record your heart rate, and to your chin and calf muscles to monitor muscle activity. Breathing bands will be placed across your chest and belly areas.
A few additional sensors will also be placed under your nose and on your finger – your physiologist will provide full instructions.
Please inform the physiologist if you have any allergies to latex or plaster tape before the procedure.
Once the discs are in place, brain activity will begin to be recorded, and the physiologist will make sure that the equipment is working correctly. You can then follow your usual activity while the machine records.
The equipment will continue to record while you sleep, and you will return or have the equipment collected by us the next morning.
Combined polysomnography and home video telemetry
At Welbeck, we offer a combined service that brings together polysomnography and home video telemetry. The addition of home video telemetry allows our sleep experts to capture visual recordings of your movements during sleep to better diagnose nocturnal events, seizures, or more complex sleep complaints.
What are the risks of a neurological sleep study?
Polysomnography is very safe and painless. The sensors are non-invasive and don’t cause any harm.
Most patients experience no side effects, although a few may notice:
mild skin irritation from the adhesive pads
temporary discomfort from sleeping with the sensors
light tiredness if you didn’t sleep as deeply as usual
Do I need to do anything ahead of having a sleep study?
You should eat, drink, and take any medication as normal before the study, unless advised otherwise. Please bring a list of your medications with you and tell your physiologist if you have any allergies before the study begins.
Your hair should be clean and free of hair products so that the electrodes can be easily stuck to your head. Because the equipment will not allow you to pull clothing over your head, we advise that you wear a top with buttons or zippers.
Follow-up and results
Whether you are at home or in our partner hotel, you may disconnect the electrodes and sensors yourself the following morning and return the equipment to Welbeck. If a hotel or home visit was arranged, your clinical physiologist will return on day 2 to collect the kit.
The results of the test will not be available immediately, as the recordings need to be studied by a physician. Most patients will receive a report in 5 working days, and a follow-up consultation will be arranged to discuss your results and any next steps.
How much does a private neurological sleep study cost?
Please contact our Neurology centre for pricing information.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our physiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Booking a private neurological sleep study
To book a home video telemetry, you must be referred by either your GP or a neurologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck neurologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
How long does a polysomnography take?
A full overnight sleep study usually lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on when you fall asleep and wake up.
Will I be able to sleep normally during the test?
Most patients find they can sleep reasonably well once they get used to the sensors. The monitoring equipment is designed to be as discreet and comfortable as possible.
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Overview
What is a neurological sleep study?
What does a neurological sleep study involve?
What are the risks of a neurological sleep study?
Do I need to do anything ahead of having a sleep study?
Follow-up and results
How much does a private neurological sleep study cost?
Why choose Welbeck?
Booking a private neurological sleep study
FAQs
Health Insurance
Doctor Referral Only
You will generally need to get a referral letter from your NHS GP, Private GP, or other doctor to access this service or treatment. Find out more including how we can assist you
Self-Pay Available
This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.
Consultation Required
For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.
Paediatric Patients Aged 12-18 Seen
This service is also available to paediatric patients aged 12-18.
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