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1. What is polysomnography?
Polysomnography is also called as sleep study. It is used to diagnose sleep disorders. This test records brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, eye and leg movements. It is usually done at a hospital or at sleep centre, but can also be done at home.
2. Why is polysomnography done?
Polysomnography is done to diagnose certain disorders like
- Sleep apnea
- REM sleep behavior disorder, chronic insomnia
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- Narcolepsy
3. Can polysomonography be done at home?
Yes, polysomnography can be done at home, and is called as home sleep study. Here the patient self-administers the home sleep test and is able to spend the night in his own home. It is useful for elderly, those who are home-bound or those with chronic illness. Sometimes a technician might be assigned to perform the sleep test at home.
4. When is polysomnography recommended?
Polysomnography is recommended to diagnose when certain sleep disorders are suspected to be affecting the person's health, like sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, chronic insomnia, periodic limb movement disorder and narcolepsy.
5. What does a polysomnography measure?
Polysomnography measures brain waves, blood oxygen level, heart rate, breathing, eye and leg movements during the study. It measures nighttime sleep patterns to diagnose sleep disorders. It also measures the number of times the breathing stopped and how for what duration.