What is a sleep study?
A sleep study monitors your breathing and related signals overnight, using one of three main tests: respiratory polygraphy, which records breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, snoring and sleep position; overnight oximetry, which tracks your oxygen levels and heart rate; or polysomnography (PSG), which also measures brain activity and eye movements. It is commonly recommended for symptoms such as unrefreshing sleep, loud snoring, or breathing that stops and starts during the night, and can help diagnose sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnoea.
Many tests can be done at home, with the equipment collected from and returned to the hospital, while more complex cases may need an overnight stay in our sleep unit. If you work nights or shifts, we can run the test during the day. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this test to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is a sleep study suitable for?
- Waking from a full night’s sleep still feeling tired, or daytime sleepiness
- Gasping, snorting, loud snoring or choking during sleep
- Breathing that appears to stop and start while you sleep, noticed by you or a partner
- Morning headaches or generally disturbed sleep
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, sleep history and any medication, and may ask you to complete a sleep questionnaire before recommending which test is right for you.
Consultants who provide Sleep Studies
How Much Does A Private Respiratory Sleep Study Cost?
from £880* for outpatients
Private outpatient respiratory sleep study costs from £880* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
For inpatient respiratory sleep study costs, please get in contact for bespoke pricing.
*The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, excluding your consultant’s fee. Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Studies
A private outpatient sleep study at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital costs from £880*, which includes all hospital costs but excludes your consultant’s fee. Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the quoted price for one month, subject to pre-assessment, and inpatient studies are priced individually, so please get in touch for a quote.
Yes, for many patients. Respiratory polygraphy, the most common test for sleep apnoea, is usually done at home using equipment collected from the hospital, and returned the next morning. Some patients, particularly those needing a more detailed test, may be asked to stay overnight in our sleep unit.
The three main tests used for breathing-related sleep problems are respiratory polygraphy, which records your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, snoring and sleep position; overnight oximetry, which tracks your oxygen levels and heart rate; and polysomnography (PSG), which also measures brain activity, eye movements and heart rhythm. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable test for your symptoms.
For the 24 hours beforehand, avoid alcohol, caffeine and napping, as these can affect the results. You should be able to carry on taking your usual medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise, and it’s worth letting them know if you take sleeping tablets, antidepressants or prescribed painkillers.
For respiratory polygraphy, you’ll wear a chest and abdomen band, a small airflow sensor in your nostrils and a finger oxygen monitor. Overnight oximetry uses just a small clip on your finger, while polysomnography adds sensors on the head, shoulders and calves to record brain activity, heart rate and muscle movement.
The team will review your data, which typically takes around a week, and you’ll then have a follow-up appointment where your doctor explains the results and your diagnosis. They’ll agree a personalised treatment plan with you, prescribe medication if appropriate, and arrange regular check-ins in the months that follow.
Untreated sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea, can raise your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and depression, on top of the daily impact of poor sleep. A diagnosis means you can start effective treatment and feel the benefit.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Medically reviewed by Professor Margaret Johnson - MD FRCP Higher Professional Training in General Medicine & Thoracic Medicine on 20/12/2023