What is Sleep Study(Polysomnography)?

Polysomnography

Polysomnography (sleep test) is a diagnostic tool that tracks various signals while you sleep, like brain activity, muscle movements, heart rate, and breathing patterns. This test helps doctors diagnose sleep disorders and suggest treatments to improve your sleep.

A sleep study, done in a sleep lab, records your sleep patterns and physical activity, including REM and non-REM sleep stages. The study monitors eye movements, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, snoring, and body movements to identify any sleep issues.

A Quick Summary Sleep Study

Quick Links

Types of Sleep Study(Polysomnography)

1. Diagnostic Polysomnography:

Polysomnography is a detailed sleep study done in specialized labs. It monitors various bodily functions, like heart rhythm, breathing, and brain activity, overnight. This test helps doctors accurately diagnose sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep apnea, and limb movement issues.

2. Split-Night Polysomnography:

Split-night polysomnography includes two tests in one night. The first part records sleep patterns and checks for disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is found, the second part adjusts CPAP settings in real-time to find the best pressure for treatment.

3. CPAP Titration Study:

These studies use a mask to deliver pressurized air and keep the airway open throughout the night. The goal is to adjust the pressure to fit each patient’s needs, improving the treatment’s effectiveness and reducing sleep apnea symptoms.

4. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT):

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) helps diagnose daytime sleepiness and narcolepsy. Done the day after a sleep study, it involves taking several short naps to see how quickly you fall asleep and if you enter REM sleep.

What Can a Sleep Study Diagnose?

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder where the airway repeatedly gets blocked during sleep. A sleep test helps doctors diagnose OSA by monitoring breathing, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns. With a proper diagnosis, people can receive effective treatments like CPAP therapy to improve their sleep quality.

2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn’t correctly tell the breathing muscles to work during sleep. A sleep study tracks breathing patterns and finds pauses in breathing, even when there’s no blockage. This helps identify CSA early and allows for effective treatments to improve breathing.

3. Insomnia:

Insomnia is when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which can impact your daily life and well-being. A sleep study, called polysomnography, tracks your sleep patterns and problems like waking up frequently or other issues. It helps diagnose insomnia and identify what needs treatment.

4. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD):

Neurological issues like Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) cause uncontrollable leg movements that disrupt sleep. Polysomnography helps diagnose these conditions by detecting these movements. Once identified, doctors can treat the symptoms with medication, lifestyle changes, and good sleep habits to improve sleep quality.

5. Narcolepsy:

Narcolepsy is a long-term brain disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness, REM sleep problems, and sudden muscle weakness. Polysomnography includes a test called Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) to study these sleep issues and daytime drowsiness, helping diagnose narcolepsy.

Final Thoughts:

If you have sleep problems in Chandigarh, Patient Care Chandigarh offers the best way to diagnose and treat them. We use the latest technology and expert care to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. Choosing Patient Care Chandigarh means improving your sleep quality and overall health.

FAQ’s on Sleep Study at Patient Care Chandigarh: