Polysomnography refers to a diagnostic test conducted to evaluate a person's sleep patterns and quality. It is a comprehensive monitoring system that records various physiological signals during sleep, enabling healthcare professionals to assess sleep-related disorders accurately.
During polysomnography, a set of electrodes and sensors are applied to the individual's body to measure multiple aspects of their sleep physiology. These electrodes typically monitor brain waves (electroencephalogram - EEG), eye movements (electrooculogram - EOG), muscle tone (electromyogram - EMG), heart activity (electrocardiogram - ECG), breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and other relevant physiological parameters.
The collected data provides detailed information about how individuals cycle through various stages of sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. It helps identify disruptions in sleep architecture, such as frequent awakenings, abnormal breathing patterns, or excessive movements, which can aid in diagnosing sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias.
Polysomnography is typically conducted overnight in a dedicated sleep laboratory but can also be performed at home using portable equipment. Skilled technologists analyze the recorded data, generate reports, and interpret the findings to help clinicians diagnose sleep disorders accurately and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Overall, polysomnography serves as a vital tool in the field of sleep medicine, allowing healthcare professionals to evaluate an individual's sleep patterns and quality in-depth, leading to better understanding, diagnosis, and management of sleep-related disorders.
