Polysomnography

Polysomnography

Polysomnography is a diagnostic study used to assess various physiological parameters during sleep. This method helps identify sleep disorders such as apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and other disorders that can significantly affect the quality of life of the patient. Polysomnography is a comprehensive examination that analyzes various aspects of sleep and provides the doctor with a complete picture of the patient's condition.

What is Polysomnography?

Polysomnography is a multi-level diagnostic test that involves monitoring and recording various physiological parameters, such as brain activity, breathing, heart rate, eye and limb movement, as well as blood oxygen levels and other indicators. The study is conducted in a specialized sleep laboratory or clinic. This method allows the assessment of sleep cycles, their duration, and the identification of various disorders that may disrupt normal sleep patterns.

The main goal of polysomnography is to diagnose sleep disorders that can not only reduce quality of life but also lead to serious health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and depression.

How is Polysomnography Performed?

Polysomnography is performed in a sleep laboratory, where several sensors are attached to the patient to monitor various physiological parameters during sleep. Typically, the procedure includes the following steps:

1. Preparing the patient: Before the study, the patient needs to remove makeup (if used) and, if possible, avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can affect the results of the study. In most cases, the study is conducted at night, so the patient should be ready to sleep in the laboratory.
2. Connecting the sensors: During the polysomnography, sensors are attached to the patient to record electrical activity of the brain, eyes, heart, muscles, and respiratory pathways. The sensors are placed on the skin of the head, face, chest, and limbs, but they do not cause discomfort and do not interfere with normal sleep.
3. Recording data: During sleep, data from the sensors are recorded on a special device, which is later used for analysis. It is important to note that polysomnography does not interfere with the patient's normal sleep, and although the sensors may be slightly uncomfortable, they do not cause pain.
4. Data analysis: After the study is completed, the specialist analyzes the collected data to determine whether the patient has sleep disorders such as apnea (temporary stops in breathing during sleep), insomnia, sleep phase disturbances, restless leg syndrome, and other issues. Based on the results of the polysomnography, the doctor may recommend treatment or further tests.

Indications for Polysomnography

Polysomnography is recommended for patients experiencing various sleep disorders. Some of the indications for the study include:

• Sleep apnea (sleep breathing cessation): Apnea is a condition in which a person's breathing stops for several seconds or even minutes during sleep. This can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the body, which disrupts sleep quality and can cause serious health problems such as hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and other diseases.
• Insomnia: Problems falling asleep or frequent awakenings during the night may indicate a sleep disorder. Polysomnography helps diagnose the causes of insomnia and assess its impact on the patient's health.
• Restless leg syndrome: This disorder manifests as unpleasant sensations in the legs that often make the person move them, disrupting normal sleep. Polysomnography helps diagnose this condition and assess its impact on sleep quality.
• Snoring and loud sleep: Snoring can be a sign of apnea or other sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Polysomnography helps identify the causes of snoring and determine the need for treatment.
• Frequent nighttime awakenings and sleep cycle disturbances: If a person wakes up several times at night or their sleep is frequently disrupted, polysomnography can help identify the problem and determine what is causing these disturbances.
• Breathing disturbances during sleep: Polysomnography is used to diagnose various respiratory disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and other disorders.

Advantages of Polysomnography

Polysomnography has many advantages that make it an indispensable diagnostic method for sleep disorders:

• High accuracy: Polysomnography allows for a detailed picture of physiological processes during sleep, which helps the doctor accurately diagnose sleep disorders.
• Comprehensive approach: The study covers a wide range of parameters such as brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and limb movement, providing a complete picture of the patient's condition.
• Early detection of diseases: Polysomnography helps detect sleep disorders at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment and the prevention of serious health problems.
• No side effects: Polysomnography is a safe procedure that does not cause pain or significant side effects.

Limitations of Polysomnography

Despite its high effectiveness, polysomnography has some limitations:

• Needs to be performed in a sleep laboratory: The procedure is performed in a sleep laboratory or clinic, which may be inconvenient for some patients.
• High cost: Polysomnography can be expensive, and not all medical institutions can afford to conduct this study.
• Requires prolonged monitoring: Polysomnography requires a full night of monitoring, which may be inconvenient for patients who are unable to sleep in a laboratory.

Preparation for Polysomnography

Preparation for polysomnography involves a few simple steps:

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Patients are advised to refrain from consuming caffeine and alcohol a few hours before the procedure, as these substances can affect the results of the study.
• Do not apply makeup or use hair products: This is important so the sensors can easily adhere to the skin.
• Bring sleepwear: Patients should be prepared to sleep in the laboratory and are recommended to bring comfortable sleepwear.
Inform the doctor about possible allergies: Patients with allergies to certain substances (such as adhesives) should inform the doctor in advance.

Conclusion

Polysomnography is an important tool for diagnosing sleep disorders, helping to identify a wide range of diseases and disturbances. It provides valuable information that helps doctors accurately diagnose the problem and recommend effective treatment. If you suffer from insomnia, snoring, apnea, or other sleep disorders, polysomnography may be an important step towards restoring normal sleep quality and improving health.