Written by Emma Cronan, Writer
Your doctor may have suggested that you participate in a sleep study, likely to help diagnose you with a sleep disorder or to observe your sleeping pattern. Before agreeing to do a sleep study, you probably want to know how much money it’s going to cost you.
In this article, we’ll cover what a sleep study is, how much different types of sleep studies cost, how insurance may play a role, and other expenses related to a sleep study. This way, you’ll have more information before agreeing to participate in a sleep study.
What Is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study is a non-invasive analysis test used to diagnose sleep disorders1 such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, epilepsy, nocturnal panic attacks, sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, and insomnia. A sleep study can be done in a lab or hospital, or in the comfort of your home.
Want to know more? Read our What is a Sleep Study? article
How Much Does A Sleep Study Cost Without Insurance?
Depending on what type of sleep study you partake in, the price will vary. According to Chris McDermott, Nurse Practitioner and Life Care Planner, at-home sleep studies are usually more cost-effective than in-lab sleep studies. However, in-lab sleep studies are typically more in-depth and accurate than ones done at home.
McDermott also warns that the cost of a sleep study will vary based on your geographic location, and the medical provider that you are going through. While we cannot provide you with an actual price due to the variety of factors that impact cost, we do know that at-home tests are less costly2 than in-lab sleep studies.
In-Lab Sleep Studies
In-lab sleep studies tend to be more expensive than studies done at home because they require a sleep technician3 to monitor you throughout the night. In-lab tests typically use more technology than at-home sleep studies, which also adds to the price.
At-Home Sleep Studies
At-home sleep studies are much less expensive than in-lab sleep studies, so if you want to participate in a sleep study but want something more affordable, this may be a great option for you. In fact, at-home sleep studies cost anywhere from a third to a fifth of the price of an in-lab test2.
An at-home test uses sensors to detect breathing patterns from the comfort of your own home, using equipment and instructions provided by your doctor2.
Cost of Sleep Studies With Insurance
If your sleep study is covered by insurance, the out-of-pocket cost will be much less. Insurance coverage may depend on your insurance provider, your geographic location, and what type of sleep test you are participating in.
Not only that, but McDermott explains that “it is common for insurance plans to cover sleep studies when they are considered medically necessary. In determining medical necessity, insurance companies often rely on screening questionnaires and clinical prediction tools such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), STOP questionnaire, or STOPBANG questionnaire. These tools help assess the need for a sleep study and can influence the type of sleep study that insurance will cover.”
Additionally, at-home studies are often covered by insurance3. Regardless, we recommend talking with your doctor and insurance provider to figure out the price and coverage for your sleep study.
Expenses to Expect After Your Sleep Study
After you participate in a sleep study, you may have additional expenses. If you did an at-home sleep test, your doctor may have you do an in-lab sleep study afterward, which would be an additional expense. This way, if a sleep disorder is suspected, you can be diagnosed as accurately as possible.
Additionally, if you’re diagnosed with a sleep disorder, you’ll probably have to purchase certain treatment items. For instance, if you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you may need to buy a CPAP machine.
Last Word of Advice
Depending on the type of sleep study you participate in, whether the test is a medical necessity for you, where you live, and who your insurance provider is, the cost of your sleep study will vary.
However, if your doctor suggests a sleep study, we recommend that you do it, as you could be diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Who knows, this diagnosis could change the way you sleep for the better.
Emma Cronan
Writer
About Author
Emma is an Editorial Intern for Sleep Advisor. She collaborates with the editor and staff writers to come up with article ideas, create article outlines, and write for the website.
Combination Sleeper
References
- “Sleep Study (Polysomnography)”. Cleveland Clinic. Last modified February 10, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12131-sleep-study-polysomnography.
- “What to Know About an At-Home Sleep Test”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed August 4, 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-to-know-about-an-at-home-sleep-test.
- “Sleep Study Frequently Asked Questions”. Penn Medicine Princeton Health. Webpage accessed August 4, 2024. https://www.princetonhcs.org/care-services/sleep-center/sleep-study-frequently-asked-questions.