--- title: How Long Does a Sleep Study Last? description: If you have just scheduled or are planning to schedule your first sleep study, you may wonder how long the entire procedure will take. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/how%20long%20does%20a%20sleep%20study%20last.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [How Long Does a Sleep Study Last?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-long-does-a-sleep-study-last) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Oct 25, 2016 8:00:00 AM ![how long does a sleep study last.jpg](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/how%20long%20does%20a%20sleep%20study%20last.jpg?width=469&name=how%20long%20does%20a%20sleep%20study%20last.jpg)Sleep studies are performed to rule out or diagnose sleep disorders such as [sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea) and [narcolepsy](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/narcolepsy-facts-the-science-and-the-symptoms). A sleep study can take place in a sleep center or in a patient's home (learn about the difference between in-center and in-home testing [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/home-sleep-test-vs-in-center-sleep-study)). If you have just scheduled or are planning to schedule your first sleep study, you may wonder how long the entire procedure will take. In this post, we'll cover the typical length of different types of sleep studies. # What is polysomnography?** ** When we talk about sleep studies, we're usually referring to polysomnography or PSG. PSG monitors many body functions including brain (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity or skeletal muscle activation (EMG), heart rhythm (ECG), respiratory airflow and respiratory effort and peripheral pulse oximetry during sleep (learn more about how pulse oximetry is recorded [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/acrylic-nails-nail-polish-and-sleep-studies)). At Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, we use the term PSG to denote a sleep study that is diagnostic only (does not include the use of CPAP) and is performed in the sleep center (read more about the different types of sleep studies [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-study-types)).   # What is a titration study, 50/50 or split night study? A titration study is a type of polysomnography that is performed when a patient has been previously diagnosed with sleep apnea (either with an in-center or in-home sleep study) and is used to determine the optimal CPAP settings which eliminate all or most apnea events.  Split night polysomnography, also known as a 50/50 study, is an in-center test that begins with diagnostic polysomnography and switches to PAP therapy titration once the patient shows sufficient apnea events. This test is often ordered when sleep apnea is highly likely and can eliminate the need for a second night sleep study if the titration is successfully completed.   # Start and end times for most overnight sleep studies Most sleep studies start in the evening. Most of our appointments start between 9pm and 10:30pm. There may be multiple patients scheduled per each technician at the sleep center. The technician will spend around 45 minutes with each patient completing the hook-up where electrodes are placed on the patient's head, face and body. Depending on the number of patients and the start time of the appointment, most PSGs will end at about 5:30am to 6:00am the following morning.  ![length of sleep studies-1.png](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/length%20of%20sleep%20studies-1.png?width=701&height=596&name=length%20of%20sleep%20studies-1.png) For a comprehensive explanation of the different types of sleep studies, the sleep disorders they are used to diagnose or rule out, and their CPT codes, check out our sleep study guide [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-study-types). For a complete sleep-related ICD9 and ICD10 guide, click [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/doctors-dont-lose-sleep-over-icd10-). To learn more about MSLTs and narcolepsy, check out our resources [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-the-test-for-narcolepsy). Learn more about sleep studies for children [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleep-disorders-affecting-children-does-your-child-need-a-sleep-study).   ### Do you need to schedule an appointment for a sleep study? If so, contact us today! [![Request sleep study](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/299691/3475ae5e-54f4-4d7d-917e-de48489f3a90.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/299691/3475ae5e-54f4-4d7d-917e-de48489f3a90)    **Sources:** [https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=19&fromdb=true https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119924/](https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=19&fromdb=true)  [https://med.noridianmedicare.com/documents/10525/5321621/Local+Coverage+Determination+for+Polysomnography+and+Sleep+Studies+for+Testing+Sleep+and+Respiratory+Disorders+(L34216)](https://med.noridianmedicare.com/documents/10525/5321621/Local+Coverage+Determination+for+Polysomnography+and+Sleep+Studies+for+Testing+Sleep+and+Respiratory+Disorders+(L34216))   **Other posts you may find interesting:** - [Acrylics, Nail Polish and Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/acrylic-nails-nail-polish-and-sleep-studies) - [Can I Take a Sleeping Aid (Sleeping Pill) Before my Sleep Study?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/can-i-take-a-sleep-aid-or-sleeping-pill-before-my-sleep-study) - [Can I Drink a Glass of Wine (or Beer) Before My Sleep Study?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/can-i-drink-a-glass-of-wine-or-beer-before-my-sleep-study) - [Can I Smoke During My Sleep Study?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/can-i-smoke-during-my-sleep-study) - [How Much Will a Sleep Study Cost Me?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-much-will-a-sleep-study-cost-me) - [Home Sleep Testing vs. an In-Center Study: Which is Best for You?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/home-sleep-testing-vs-in-center-study)   Topics: [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-long-does-a-sleep-study-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-long-does-a-sleep-study-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-long-does-a-sleep-study-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-long-does-a-sleep-study-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=How%20Long%20Does%20a%20Sleep%20Study%20Last%3F) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-long-does-a-sleep-study-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-long-does-a-sleep-study-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-long-does-a-sleep-study-last%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - 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Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.