A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram (poly-som-no-gram) is an overnight test that monitors your brain waves, breathing, eye movements and other body activities while you are sleeping. It helps diagnose sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, among others. People generally spend the night at a hospital sleep lab or an outpatient sleep clinic for this test, although there are home sleep studies available.
During this test, electrodes are placed on the head and face, legs, arms and torso, which send recorded electrical signals to the monitoring equipment. A computer then analyzes the data, identifying various physiological changes that happen during sleep.
Your heart rate and blood oxygen levels are monitored as well. A fingertip pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in your blood, and a chin strap keeps track of your mouth and nose openings during sleep to measure airflow. Other electrodes record your eye movements to identify REM sleep when dreaming usually occurs; an EEG (electroencephalogram) records the electrical activity of your brain; and an EOG records limb movement, especially foot or leg movement to look for periodic limb movement disorder or REM behavior disorder.
Other sensors may be attached to your chest and abdomen to detect a decrease in the movement of your muscles due to sleep apnea, which can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood. A snore sensor may also be used to determine how many times you snore or choke during the night. The results from the test are recorded on a computer, which generates a graph and gives your healthcare provider information about your sleep patterns that can help them recommend a treatment plan for you.
Before you have a sleep study, avoid caffeine, alcohol or naps for several hours prior to the test. Taking these items before your sleep study can affect your sleep patterns and make it harder for the testing devices to properly attach to your skin. You should also bathe or shower before the test, but do not apply lotions, gels, cologne or makeup, as these products could interfere with the sensors.
Once the test is complete, you will wake up and the sensors will be removed.부산코수술 A technician or a medical assistant will talk with you and explain the results of your sleep study. Your doctor will then discuss the findings with you, and a treatment plan will be created if needed.부산수면다원검사
If your polysomnogram shows you have a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, you will likely undergo additional tests to find the best treatment options for you. Some of these tests may include a CT or MRI scan, which can show if you have any structural abnormalities, such as an enlarged adenotonsillar hernia. The results from these additional tests typically take up to two weeks to become available. If your polysomnogram shows you have other conditions, such as a heart condition, you may need to be referred to another specialist.