Unitutkimuksia

Unitutkimuksia, often translated as sleep studies, are medical examinations designed to diagnose and evaluate sleep disorders. These studies typically involve monitoring various physiological functions of the body during sleep.

The most common type of sleep study is polysomnography (PSG). During a PSG, electrodes are attached to the scalp to record brain waves (EEG), measure eye movements (EOG), and detect muscle activity (EMG). Additionally, sensors are used to monitor breathing rate and effort, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and body position.

Sleep studies are crucial for identifying conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias. The data collected provides a comprehensive picture of a person's sleep patterns and quality, allowing healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses.

The procedure is usually conducted overnight in a specialized sleep laboratory. While it may seem intrusive, most patients adapt to the monitoring equipment and achieve a natural night's sleep. The results are then analyzed by a sleep specialist who will interpret the findings and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary. In some cases, simpler home-based sleep studies may be used for initial screening, particularly for suspected obstructive sleep apnea.