polysomography

Polysomnography, often abbreviated as PSG, is a comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders. It is considered the gold standard for evaluating sleep-related breathing disorders, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, and REM sleep behavior disorder. During a PSG, a patient spends the night in a sleep laboratory while various physiological parameters are monitored. These typically include electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain waves, electrooculography (EOG) to track eye movements, and electromyography (EMG) to record muscle activity. Additionally, airflow at the nose and mouth, breathing effort, blood oxygen levels (oximetry), and heart rate are continuously assessed. Electrocardiography (ECG) may also be included to monitor cardiac function.

The data collected during polysomnography allows trained sleep technologists and physicians to analyze different sleep stages, identify disruptions in breathing, and detect abnormal movements or events that occur during sleep. These events can include apneas (cessations of breathing), hypopneas (shallow breathing), and leg movements. The detailed information gathered provides a clear picture of the patient's sleep architecture and any underlying abnormalities. Based on the PSG results, a diagnosis can be made, and appropriate treatment strategies can be recommended to improve sleep quality and overall health.