polysomografia

Polysomnography, often referred to as a sleep study, is a diagnostic test used to evaluate sleep disorders. It is a comprehensive and non-invasive procedure that monitors various physiological activities of the body during sleep. The primary goal of polysomnography is to identify and diagnose conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia.

During a polysomnography test, sensors are attached to the patient's body to record several parameters. These include brain wave activity (electroencephalogram or EEG), eye movements (electrooculogram or EOG), muscle activity (electromyogram or EMG), heart rate and rhythm (electrocardiogram or ECG), breathing rate and effort, and blood oxygen levels (oximetry). The patient typically sleeps in a specialized sleep laboratory, where trained technicians monitor the data collected throughout the night.

The information gathered from polysomnography allows healthcare professionals to analyze sleep patterns, identify disruptions, and pinpoint the underlying causes of sleep disturbances. Different stages of sleep, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, are meticulously charted. Abnormalities in these stages or in the physiological responses during sleep can indicate specific sleep disorders. Based on the results, a diagnosis can be made, and an appropriate treatment plan can be developed to improve the patient's sleep quality and overall health.