Sleep Test (Polysomnogram)
Sleep Test (Polysomnogram)
Sleep testing may be ordered for many reasons. Sleep
test performed in a sleep testing facility are considered
the standard for testing for sleep disorders. While apnea
can be diagnosed with test performed by the individual
at home, many problems with sleep can only be
diagnosed with a polysomnogram (PSG).
The Test
The PSG is designed to measure sleep stages, breathing,
body movements, heart function and oxygen levels.
Measuring all of these functions is done with sensors
that are placed on you. At the sleep facility you may be
the first patient who the technologist connects to the
equipment or follow someone else. This order is usually
based on the time you normally go to sleep. You can
expect the sleep technologist to spend between 30 and 45
minutes placing the sensors. Once you are connected to
the monitors, you can go to sleep or read, watch TV, etc.
until the test begins. The test will begin as close to your
normal sleeping time as possible, but the center need to
consider the time needed to complete the test. A
minimum of six (6) hours of recording time is required.
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The sleep technologist will explain the procedure of
connecting you to the recording equipment. There will
be wires pasted on your head, chin and legs. A small
sensor will be placed under your nose and heart
monitoring leads on your chest. You will be wearing belts
on your chest and abdomen. You will have a conducting
paste in your hair and on your face. This paste conducts
signals from your body to the monitors and gives us the
information to make the needed measurements.
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Most people worry that they will not be able to sleep
during the test. Will I sleep long enough? Will it be good
enough sleep to get results? These worries are usually
unnecessary. The vast majority of patients sleep long
enough and well enough for the equipment to get
adequate information about their sleep.
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Many individuals will be found to have obstructive
apnea early in a sleep test. If the amount of apnea
reaches a predetermined number per hour early in the
test, treatment with positive airway pressure will be
attempted during the remained of the night. The study is
split between the diagnostic study and a treatment study.
(Split Night Sleep Study)
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Page Fact – A polysomnogram is the most accurate sleep test available.
Updated June 2022