Sleep-Deprived EEG

A standard EEG recorded after a night of reduced sleep — increasing the likelihood of capturing seizure-related activity, often used when a routine EEG was normal but clinical suspicion of epilepsy remains. £425 all-inclusive · consultant-reported · CQC-regulated.

Referral-based — our team confirms your appointment once your referral is triaged

Request this test — £425 WhatsApp us

~90 minappointment

Painlessnon-invasive

Consultantreported

£425all-inclusive

Medically reviewed by The Vesey clinical teamLast reviewed 9 September 2026CQC-registered

✓CQC Regulated

★★★★★4.88/5 on Doctify · 700+ verified reviews

✓Consultant-reported

✓Free onsite parking

A sleep-deprived EEG is usually the next step when more information is needed than a routine recording alone can give. It's a sensible option if you recognise any of these.

A normal routine EEG, but suspicion remains

If your routine EEG came back normal but your clinical picture still points towards epilepsy, sleep deprivation increases the chance of capturing abnormal activity.

Distinguishing seizure types

Recording through drowsiness and sleep can help your consultant tell different types of seizure activity apart, supporting a more precise diagnosis.

Supporting a medication or treatment decision

A clearer picture of your brain's electrical activity can help your consultant decide on starting, changing or stopping anti-seizure medication.

£425 · ~90 min appointment · consultant-reported

Referral-based · free onsite parking

Request this test — £425

A Clinical Physiologist carries out your recording using portable EEG equipment, the same equipment used for a routine EEG. The whole appointment takes around 90 minutes.

Staying awake beforehand

You'll be asked to sleep for only a few hours the night before your appointment — we'll confirm the exact instructions when your appointment is booked.

Sensors attached

Small metal discs are attached to your scalp with a soft, washable paste — this is painless and takes around 15–20 minutes.

Recording through drowsiness and sleep

The longer, roughly 90-minute recording lets the team capture your brain's activity at rest, as you become drowsy and ideally while briefly asleep, alongside the same activation procedures used in a routine EEG.

Preparing for your appointment

Before you come in

Stay awake for most of the night before, as instructedTypically sleep only 4–5 hours — confirmed at bookingAvoid alcohol and cut down on caffeine that dayNo hair styling products, oils, gels or spraysTake your usual medication as normalArrange for someone to bring you and take you home

Because you'll be sleep-deprived, please don't drive yourself to or from this appointment. Always continue any prescribed medication as normal unless your referring clinician tells you otherwise.

1. Referral

Your GP or consultant refers you, confirming the clinical question — or request the test and we'll help arrange it.

2. Triage & scheduling

Our Clinical Physiologist team triages the referral, then our administration team contacts you to arrange a convenient appointment.

3. Your EEG

Sergio Cerqueira, Clinical Physiologist, carries out your recording onsite using portable EEG equipment.

4. Consultant report

Your recording is reviewed and reported by Dr David Martín-López or Dr Omar Al-Khayatt, Consultant Neurophysiologist, and sent to your referring clinician.

Request this test — £425

Unit 3, The Courtyard, Reddicap Trading Estate, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU

Comparison Table
Investigation	Duration	Best for	Price
Routine EEG	~45 min appointment	First-line investigation for suspected seizures or blackouts	£380
Sleep-Deprived EEG	~90 min appointment	Higher chance of capturing abnormal activity after a normal routine EEG	£425
Ambulatory EEG (24 Hour)	24 hours worn	Infrequent episodes unlikely to occur during a short recording	£1,025

Browse all neurophysiology investigations at The Vesey →

Read all reviews on Doctify →

What is a sleep-deprived EEG and why is sleep deprivation used?

A sleep-deprived EEG is an EEG recording taken after a night of reduced or no sleep. Sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of provoking epileptiform (seizure-related) electrical activity, and lets the recording capture the drowsiness and sleep-onset stages when abnormalities more often appear. It's reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist.

Do I need a referral for a sleep-deprived EEG?

Yes. This is a referral-based investigation, triaged by our Clinical Physiologist team before it's scheduled. Your GP or consultant can refer you, or you can request the test below and we'll help arrange the referral.

Is a sleep-deprived EEG painful?

No. An EEG is completely painless and non-invasive. The sensors are attached to your scalp with a soft paste, and you'll simply sit or lie comfortably while the recording is taken.

How should I prepare for a sleep-deprived EEG?

You'll be asked to stay awake for most of the night before your appointment, typically sleeping only around 4–5 hours — we'll confirm the exact instructions when your appointment is booked. Avoid alcohol and cut down on caffeine on the day, and don't use any hair styling products, oils, gels or sprays. Take your usual medication as normal, including any anti-seizure medication, unless your referring clinician tells you otherwise. Because you'll be sleep-deprived, please arrange for someone to bring you to your appointment and take you home afterwards, as you shouldn't drive.

What happens during the appointment?

Your appointment lasts around 90 minutes in total. A Clinical Physiologist attaches small sensors to your scalp, then records your brain's electrical activity while you rest, become drowsy and ideally fall briefly asleep. The same activation procedures used in a routine EEG — deep breathing and a flashing light — are usually also carried out.

When will I get my results?

Your recording is reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist, and the report is sent to your referring clinician, who will discuss the result with you. Turnaround varies by referral urgency.

What if my routine EEG was already normal — will this help?

Yes, potentially. A routine EEG only samples a short window of relaxed, awake brain activity, and can be normal even in someone with epilepsy. Sleep deprivation increases the chance of provoking abnormal activity and lets us record through drowsiness and sleep, so a sleep-deprived EEG can sometimes reveal changes a routine EEG missed.

Ready to arrange your sleep-deprived EEG?

Request the test below, or call us and our team will help arrange your referral. The Vesey · Sutton Coldfield.