Polysomnography is a test that can detect sleep disorders. It is primarily about breathing disorders during sleep, mainly sleep apnea, which can have very serious he alth effects. What is polysomnography? What are the indications for its implementation?

Polysomnographyistest , which allows the detection ofsleep disorders.Polysomnographyallows you to assess sleep stages, breathing pattern (apnea), blood oxygen levels, heart function and the body's physiological response to apnea.

Polysomnography (sleep study) - indications

Polysomnography is most often performed in people with breathing disorders during sleep, most often with snoring. Apart from snoring people, those who have problems with:

  • wake up
  • restless sleep - "throwing" at night
  • insomnia

In turn, during the day they have a problem with:

  • morning headaches
  • daytime sleepiness
  • fatigue, despite a night's sleep

Polysomnographic testsare sometimes performed on people suffering from epilepsy.

Ways to get a good night's sleep

Polysomnography (sleep test) - how to prepare?

Polysomnography takes place overnight in a hospital or other facility adapted to the examination, therefore you should bring pajamas (preferably one unbuttoned from the front and not put on over the head to facilitate the application of electrodes and sensors) and other personal belongings . You can also take your own pillow, and even a duvet, if someone will sleep better under it. In addition, on the day of the examination, you should refrain from consuming coffee, strong tea and other drinks containing caffeine, theine, alcohol or other stimulants, as this may make it difficult to fall asleep in a new place. Although the examination begins in the evening, the patient may be asked to report to the doctor as early as late noon, as preparations for polysomnography (medical history, filling out questionnaires, mounting all sensors) take a while.

Polysomnography (sleep test) - what is it?

The polysomnographic examination consists of four basic examinations, such as:

  • electroencephalography (EEG) - electrodes are placed on the patient's head to assess the bioelectrical activity of the brain
  • electrocardiography (EKG) - electrodes are placed on the patient's chest to assess the electrical activity of the heart
  • electrooculography (EEA) - electrodes are placed next to the patient's eyes to examine changes in functional currents occurring during eye movements and after the action of light flashes
  • electromyography (EMG) - electrodes are placed on the patient's body to assess muscle and nerve function

For the polysomnographic examination to be reliable, it should last at least 6 hours.

In addition, a microphone, temperature and air flow sensor are placed near the mouth. There is a limb motion sensor on the ankle, a pulse oximeter on the finger, and the so-called breathing belts that record the movements of these parts of the body. In addition, a body position sensor is also required. Both the sensors and the electrodes will be mounted in such a way that they do not restrict movement too much. If the patient has to go to the toilet at night, he will not have a problem with it - just disconnect the electrodes from the apparatus.

In the corner of the room there is a camera that records the patient's sleep all night. All data is sent to the computer. A person trained in sleep medicine sits all night long in the next room, who watches over the course of the examination and, if necessary, corrects the position of sensors or electrodes if they move during the examination.

Worth knowing

Polysomnography (sleep study) at home

Currently, polysomnography is less and less performed (unless the patient applies for a CPAP mask reimbursement - then it is necessary). The doctor usually orders a simplified version of polysomnography, i.e. sleep polygraphy, which is performed at home. It does not include electroencephalography (EEG), electrooculogram and muscle tension, therefore it is not as accurate as polysomnography, however sleep polygraphic results are sufficient to make a correct diagnosis.

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