Name of the Procedure:

Polysomnography (commonly known as a "sleep study")

Summary

Polysomnography is a comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders. It records various bodily functions while the patient is asleep, such as brain activity (sleep staging), eye movement, muscle activity, heart rhythm, and breathing patterns. The procedure is attended by a sleep technologist who monitors the patient overnight.

Purpose

Polysomnography helps in diagnosing sleep-related conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. The goal is to identify disruptions in sleep patterns and physiological changes that could affect overall health and quality of life.

Indications

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Loud snoring with pauses in breathing
• Leg movements or sensation disturbances during sleep
• Abnormal behaviors during sleep

This procedure is appropriate for patients aged 6 years or older experiencing these symptoms.

Preparation

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of the test.
• Follow regular medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• Bring comfortable sleepwear.
• Arrive with clean hair free of hair products.
• Some diagnostic assessments, like a medical history review and pre-sleep questionnaires, may be required.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will arrive at the sleep center in the evening.
2. A sleep technologist will attach sensors to the scalp, face, chest, limbs, and fingers to monitor brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, and muscle activity.
3. Nasal airflow sensors and bands around the chest and abdomen measure breathing patterns.
4. The patient will sleep in a comfortable room, similar to a hotel room, while data is continuously recorded by the monitoring equipment.
5. The technologist monitors the patient from another room, ensuring data accuracy and addressing any issues during the study.

No anesthesia or sedation is typically required as the procedure is non-invasive.

Duration

The procedure spans an entire night, typically 6 to 8 hours.

Setting

Conducted in a sleep lab, often within a hospital or a specialized sleep center.

Personnel

• Sleep Technologist
• Sleep Specialist (to interpret the data and provide follow-up)

Risks and Complications

• Minor skin irritation from sensor adhesives
• Some discomfort from sensors and monitoring equipment
• Rarely, difficulty sleeping in the unfamiliar environment may affect results

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of sleep disorders
• Opportunity to develop a targeted treatment plan
• Improved sleep quality and overall health upon successful treatment Results are typically available within a couple of weeks.

Recovery

• No significant recovery time required
• Resume normal activities immediately after the procedure
• Follow-up appointment with a sleep specialist to discuss findings and treatment

Alternatives

• Home sleep apnea testing (less comprehensive, focuses mainly on sleep apnea)
• Actigraphy (uses a wearable device to monitor activity and rest cycles, less detailed)
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) for diagnosing narcolepsy, used in conjunction with polysomnography

Patient Experience

Patients may initially feel some discomfort from the sensors but generally adapt quickly. Facilities often provide a comfortable environment to mimic a regular bedroom setting. Technologists are there to ensure the patient’s comfort and address any issues that arise.