Polysomnography

What is polysomnography?

Polysomnography is a non-invasive sleep study conducted using a portable device that is used at home. It works by measuring heart rate, blood oxygen levels, airflow, and breathing patterns. The primary use of polysomnography is to detect sleep disorders, with a particular focus on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

When is polysomnography used?

Polysomnography is an advanced diagnostic method used to study sleep and associated sleep problems. Indications for polysomnography include:

Suspected sleep disorders: Polysomnography is commonly used to diagnose various sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, parasomnias (e.g., sleepwalking or nightmares), periodic limb movement disorder (e.g., restless legs syndrome), and circadian rhythm disorders (e.g., delayed sleep phase syndrome).

Excessive snoring: Individuals who snore loudly and frequently, especially if accompanied by daytime fatigue and sleepiness, may be candidates for polysomnography to rule out or confirm a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

Insomnia: If a person experiences long-term sleep difficulties or frequent awakenings during the night without the ability to fall back asleep, polysomnography can help understand the causes of insomnia.

Abnormal nighttime behavior: Individuals who display unusual nighttime behaviors such as night sweats, sudden movements during sleep, or unrecognizable nighttime behavior may be referred for polysomnography to investigate possible sleep disorders.

Treatment evaluation: For individuals already diagnosed with a sleep disorder, polysomnography can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, such as therapy for sleep apnea using CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).

Sleep assessment in children: For children with suspected sleep disorders or sleep difficulties, polysomnography can provide valuable insights into their sleep and health.

Diagnosis of other health issues: Since sleep plays a crucial role in overall health, polysomnography can help uncover connections with other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, or neurological conditions.

A qualified medical professional should make the decision to conduct polysomnography based on a thorough clinical examination and patient history.

Who are candidates for polysomnography?

Candidates for polysomnography are individuals who meet certain clinical criteria or have symptoms suggesting potential sleep disorders. The need for polysomnography is determined individually, based on specific symptoms and the medical history of each patient.

Common candidates include:

Individuals with Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This includes those who snore loudly, experience pauses in breathing during sleep (apneas), frequent breathing disturbances (hypopneas), and daytime sleepiness. Polysomnography may also be recommended for individuals at higher risk for OSA, such as those with obesity, a large neck circumference, or a history of breathing disorders during sleep.

Individuals with symptoms of narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone). Polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT) are commonly used for diagnosing narcolepsy.

Individuals with suspected parasomnias: Parasomnias involve abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as nightmares, sleepwalking, night sweats, or talking during sleep. Polysomnography can help understand the causes of these issues.

Individuals with symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS): RLS is a neurological disorder causing an irresistible urge to move the legs, typically during rest or sleep. Polysomnography can help rule out other sleep disorders and assess potential causes of RLS.

Individuals with chronic insomnia: If a person suffers from long-term sleep problems and no apparent cause is found, polysomnography can help rule out potential medical issues or sleep disorders contributing to insomnia.

Children with sleep issues: Children with sleep difficulties, including night terrors, nightmares, or bedwetting, may be candidates for polysomnography to rule out potential sleep disorders.

It is important for potential candidates to consult with their physician.

How to prepare for polysomnography?

A portable device monitors various physiological parameters throughout the night using several sensors:

• Chest strap
• Nasal cannula
• Finger clip sensor

Preparation for polysomnography can vary based on your doctor’s specific requirements. Generally, the following steps are recommended:

Consultation with a Physician: Before undergoing polysomnography, visit a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms and determine if the test is necessary. Discuss all your symptoms and sleep issues with your physician.

Avoid alcohol and stimulants: Typically, you will need to avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants several hours or even days before testing, as they can affect your sleep quality.

Medication information: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including herbal supplements. Some medications may need to be discontinued before testing, but this depends on individual cases and your doctor’s advice.

Appropriate clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and pajamas that will allow you to sleep comfortably.

Avoid makeup and nail polish: These can affect the quality of electrode attachment to the skin.

Relax before bed: Try to relax and prepare for sleep. Reading, listening to calming music, or meditating can help you unwind before bedtime.

Contact your doctor or medical staff if you have additional questions about preparation.

How is a sleep study with polysomnography conducted?

Polysomnography is a portable device connected to the patient during sleep that monitors breathing and oxygen saturation.

The following steps are typically involved:

Consultation with a physician: The first step is to visit a doctor who will assess your symptoms and indications for sleep monitoring through polysomnography. If deemed necessary, the doctor will guide you on the next steps.

Equipment provision: Your doctor will provide you with special equipment to wear overnight to monitor various parameters during sleep. This equipment usually includes sensors and electrodes attached to specific body parts.

Equipment setup: When you return home, you will need to follow instructions to set up electrodes and sensors as directed by your doctor or medical staff. These will generally be placed on your head, face, chest, abdomen, legs, and arms. These electrodes record:

• breathing
• heart activity (ECG)

Sleep monitoring: During the night, sensors will record your physiological parameters while you sleep. All data is transmitted to the portable device you will carry, which will later be analyzed by specialists.

Return of equipment: In the morning after testing, you will return the equipment to your doctor.

Result analysis: The collected data will be analyzed in detail to identify any abnormalities during sleep and make a diagnosis.

It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and set up the equipment correctly to ensure accurate and reliable analysis of your sleep.

Cost of polysomnography

You can find more information about the pricing of polygraph testing in the current price list of the Poliklinika Sinteza. Feel free to contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or via email at info@sinteza.hr for further details. For direct appointment reservations, click on the link.

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