polysomnográfia

Polysomnography, often abbreviated as PSG, is a comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders. It is a non-invasive test that records various physiological signals during sleep. These signals include brain waves (electroencephalogram or EEG), eye movements (electrooculogram or EOG), muscle activity (electromyogram or EMG), heart rate (electrocardiogram or ECG), breathing patterns (airflow and respiratory effort), and blood oxygen levels (oximetry).

The primary purpose of polysomnography is to identify and evaluate sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and periodic limb movement disorder. During the study, a patient sleeps in a sleep laboratory while being monitored by trained technicians. Sensors are attached to the body to record the different physiological parameters. The data collected provides a detailed picture of the patient's sleep architecture, including the different sleep stages (light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep) and any interruptions or abnormalities.

Interpreting polysomnography results requires specialized knowledge. A sleep physician analyzes the recorded data to determine if the patient's sleep patterns are normal or indicative of a sleep disorder. The findings from the PSG are crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan. This might include lifestyle modifications, medication, or the use of devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. Polysomnography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing many sleep-related breathing disorders.