Polysomnography (PSG) Sleep test

• Polysomnography (PSG),also called Sleep test consists of a Simultaneous recording of multiple physiologic parameters related to sleep and wakefulness (eg: Patient’s Sleep Stages and Cycles) to diagnose various sleep disorders.
• Polysomnography (PSG) is gold standard to rule out & determine the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Who needs PSG ?

Patients may need PSG if they have following problems-

• Excessive Day time sleepiness
• Loud or frequent snoring
• Silent Pauses in breathing
• Choking or gasping sounds
• Fatigue
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Arrhythmia
• Diabetes
• Unrefreshing Sleep
• Morning headahe

How PSG done ?

• Polysomnography typically is done overnight at a sleep laboratory. However Polysomnography can be performed at home and is called home sleep test (HST) but PSG at laboratory is better.
• Patients must sleep comfortably during the test while a technician monitors the data from an adjacent room. Video and audio Surveillance allow the patient and technician to communicate during the night .

What parameters are monitored during PSG ?

• Brain waves
• Eye movements
• Heart rate
• Breathing pattern
• Blood Oxygen level
• Chest and abdominal movement
• Limb movement
• Snoring and other noise you may make as you sleep

How Patient will be prepared ?

• Patients must be advised to avoid drinks or food containing alcohol or caffeine during the day before polysomnography . Alcohol and caffeine can change sleep patterns, and they make worse sleep test results.
• Napping in the afternoon before a sleep study is discouraged. Patients usually be asked to bathe or shower before sleep study. But don’t put on lotions, gels or makeup before the test, as these can interfere with the use of the eletrodes.