A sleep study, also known as a polysomnography, is a medical test that measures various physiological parameters during sleep. This test is typically performed in a specialized sleep clinic or laboratory and involves the use of several sensors and monitoring devices that are attached to the patient's body.
During a sleep study, the patient will be asked to spend the night in a comfortable and private room that is equipped with a bed and monitoring equipment. The sensors and monitoring devices will track various aspects of the patient's sleep, including brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing.
The information gathered during the sleep study is used to diagnose and treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia. The test can also provide valuable information about the quality and quantity of the patient's sleep, which can help identify potential causes of sleep problems.
The results of a sleep study are typically interpreted by a sleep specialist or a physician who specializes in sleep medicine. Based on the results of the test, the physician may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or avoiding certain medications, or they may prescribe medication or other treatments to help the patient get better sleep.
A sleep study is used to diagnose many sleep disorders, including:
Sleep studies are a vital diagnostic tool for many sleep disorders, but they aren’t necessary in all cases. A doctor can prescribe a sleep study depending on a person’s symptoms and overall health.
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing sleep issues or daytime symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, depression, or difficulty concentrating. Patients with obesity with sleep issues should be screened for sleep apnea. Your doctor can help you determine whether a sleep study is right for you.
