Contents
Polysomnography is a technique to study how the human body works while sleeping. It allows us to find out the causes of various sleep disorders and to assess its stages. Most often, polysomnography is performed in patients with breathing disorders during sleep, mainly in snorers.
Polysomnography – what does the examination look like?
Polysomnography is an examination which requires a one-day hospitalization. The patient stays overnight in a hospital or a special center, where he is connected to specialized, extensive equipment. Polysomnography it is basically recording a dream, but it is a complicated and very complex process. What does the examination look like? The whole thing polysomnographic examination consist of electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (EKG), electroencephalography (EEA), and electromyography (EMG). Electrodes are placed on the patient’s head, chest and eyes, which test the bioelectrical activity of the brain, heart activity, eye movements and allow the assessment of general muscle and nervous functions in the patient. In addition, a temperature and air flow sensor and a microphone are placed near the patient’s mouth. A motion sensor (actimeter) is placed on the ankles, and a pulse oximeter on the finger. Additionally, breathing belts are placed on the chest and abdomen to record the movements of these parts of the patient’s body. All these elements of the apparatus are placed on the body of the subject in such a way that they do not restrict his movements, and disconnecting them at night, e.g. when the subject needs to use the toilet, is not a problem.
The camera records the entire examination and the patient’s sleep. The image from it and the data collected by the apparatus are sent to a computer where a trained person observes the course of the examination throughout the night and corrects the position of the electrodes and sensors in the event that they move. In order for the test to give the most reliable result, it should last at least 6 hours. In order to adjust the time of the examination, you should inform the doctor about your nighttime rhythm in advance, whether you fall asleep early or later. Usually the entire examination ends at 6 am. After polysomnography The patient is first disconnected from all equipment, and then completes the necessary questionnaires for the examination, after which he can go home. The doctor then analyzes the test record. The result is usually ready for collection after a few days, and is prepared on its basis treatment plan.
Polysomnography – how to prepare?
How should it be prepare for the examination patient? To complete polysomnography studies no special preparations are required, however, the patient should not consume alcohol, coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, sedatives or sleeping pills, including herbal supplements on the day of the examination, and naps during the day are not recommended as they may make it difficult to fall asleep later in the hospital. Before the test, you should not eat heavy and heavy meals, but it is advisable to exercise more than usual. Outside of these guidelines, the patient should function as usual. Before proceeding to polysomnography the doctor conducting the study should be informed about all medications taken by the patient, especially those lowering muscle tension or affecting the functioning of the nervous system, as they may distort the results of the examination. In addition, the patient should prepare comfortable clothes in which he will sleep, preferably if the shirt is unbuttoned, which will make it easier to connect to the apparatus, as well as slippers and the necessary toiletries used for daily hygiene. To make it easier to fall asleep in a new place, the patient can even take his own pillow or quilt. Also, remember to take any medications you are taking with you. In most cases, the patient shows up for the examination in the evening.
Polysomnography – indications for examination
The most common indication to complete polysomnography studies there is a suspicion that the patient has obstructive sleep apnea. During its course, during sleep, the flow of air through the respiratory tract is blocked, as a result of which the oxygenation of the arterial blood decreases and the body is hypoxic, but the function of the inspiratory muscles is maintained. In addition, the test may be recommended to people who do not fall asleep, despite their sleep hygiene and the appropriate duration of night rest, as well as people who have trouble falling asleep again after waking up at night. An indication for the study there is also snoring and morning headaches. Polysomnography it is also performed in people who may need to have the pharyngeal tonsillectomy. Polysomnography it is also recommended for people suffering from insomnia and having difficulties waking up in the morning. Sometimes these tests are performed in people with epilepsy. Research it is completely safe and there are no contraindications for its use.