Diagnosing sleep disorders means identifying sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. A sleep diary and questionnaires can be used for this purpose, but are only used for a preliminary assessment of the patient's condition. The final diagnosis can be made on the basis of the results of specialized tests. Find out what is the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
Diagnostics of sleep disordersallows you to recognize sleep disorders on the basis of the results of appropriate tests. Diagnosis of sleep disorders is indicated in the case of:
- insomnia
- breathing disorders during sleep. This is especially true of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring syndrome
- parasomnii (bizarre behavior during sleep), e.g. sleepwalking
- excessive daytime sleepiness, including narcolepsy
- circadian rhythm disorders
- restless legs syndrome
If you experience sleep disorders, it is best to go to a sleep disorder clinic, where you can consult a psychiatrist or a neurophysiologist.
Diagnostics of sleep disorders - subjective tests
Questionnairesare used in patients suspected of having sleep disorders. They are filled in by the patient, so they are subjective and therefore cannot be used for diagnosis. They are used only for the initial assessment of the patient's condition.
These are tests performed by the patient and therefore subjective. Therefore, a diagnosis cannot be made on their basis. They are only used for the initial assessment of the patient's he alth.
When assessing the severity of insomnia, the patient fills in:
- Athens Insomnia Scale
- Scale of the severity of insomnia
- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire
The Berlin Questionnaire is used to estimate the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
However, to assess the intensity of sleepiness during the day, use:
- sleepiness scales (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Carolingian Sleepiness Scale)
- Ullanlinna narcolepsy scale
To help you make an initial assessment of how disturbed your sleep is, you will also findsleep diary . To be completed every morning after getting out of bed.
How to get a good night's sleep?
Diagnostics of sleep disorders - objective tests
Polysomnography
Polysomnography is a sleep study that records, among others :
- brain work,
- hearts,
- muscle tension,
- pressure,
- breath,
- the amount of oxygen in the blood,
- sleep phases.
Polysomnography is most often performed in a hospital or other specialist clinic. Doctors more and more often order a skimpy version of the test - polygraphy - that can be done at home.
In the case of sleep disorders, polysomnography (or polygraphy) is still the most frequently performed test.
Apnograph survey
Examination with an apnograph, a camera that shows, among others :
- apnea per hour,
- heart rate,
- snoring volume.
Most importantly, however, it shows where the causes of sleep disturbances lie. It can be an alternative to polysomnographic examination.
Multiple Sleep Latency Measurement Test (MSLT)
The Multiple Sleep Latency Measurement Test (MSLT) is used to diagnose excessive daytime sleepiness.
The patient goes to bed for a 20-minute nap every 2 hours, five times a day. The time until falling asleep (sleep latency) is recorded during each nap.
Multiple Measurement of Standby Test (MWT)
The Multiple Measurement of Vigilance Test (MWT) allows you to determine how alert the patient is when staying in a relaxing place. It is indicated for people who complain of excessive sleepiness and for people who perform work that requires vigilance, such as a bus driver.
Attention retention test
The attention maintenance test is performed to test how quickly a patient responds to abnormal stimuli. It is indicated in people with sleepiness who have problems with maintaining wakefulness.
Aktygrafia
Actigraphy consists in registering the patient's activity during the day and night with the use of a special motion meter called actigraphy. It is performed primarily in the case of sleep disorders, e.g. insomnia.
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