Which specialist performs a sleep study?

Pulmonologists are doctors who assess breathing and lung conditions, including breathing changes during sleep. A sleep study may be completed in a clinic overnight or at home, depending on the symptoms and the question being investigated. Sensors can record breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, body movement, and sleep-related patterns. A technician may explain the equipment, check that it is positioned correctly, and review whether the recording is usable. The doctor then interprets the information alongside your history rather than treating one measurement as a diagnosis by itself.

Start with a general practitioner if you have loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, morning headaches, or marked daytime sleepiness. They can assess your history and refer you to pulmonology when a sleep assessment is appropriate. Tell the clinician about medicines, alcohol use, shift work, nasal blockage, and any episodes of falling asleep while driving. Follow the preparation instructions carefully; some tests require your usual sleep routine, while others involve returning equipment the next morning. Do not drive if sleepiness makes you struggle to stay alert.

Arrange prompt medical advice for repeated breathing pauses, choking or gasping during sleep, or sleepiness that interferes with work or driving. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty while awake, chest pressure, fainting, blue or grey lips, or confusion. These signs need assessment regardless of whether a sleep study has already been planned.

Ask which sleep problem the test is meant to investigate, whether an at-home recording is suitable, and how to prepare. You can also ask who will review the results, when you should expect an explanation, and what treatment may follow if abnormal breathing is found.