What is Polysomnography (Sleep Test)?
Polysomnography is a method used in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. This method uses various sensors such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), nasal/oral airflow, thoracic and abdominal movements, and respiratory rhythm during sleep to measure physiological changes in the body during sleep. These sensors are used to detect discomfort that occurs during sleep and to diagnose and treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea syndrome and parasomnia. Polysomnography is a test performed in a sleep laboratory and is typically done overnight.
What is the Purpose of Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is an important method used to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. This method detects discomfort that occurs during sleep and allows for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea syndrome and parasomnia. The results of polysomnography help to determine treatment methods such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for patients with sleep apnoea syndrome and to find the correct path for sleep disorder treatment. In addition, the results of polysomnography can reveal the causes of discomfort that occur during sleep. It is an important method for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as sleep apnoea, respiratory pauses during sleep, and movement disorders during sleep.
Who Should Have Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is performed on individuals who are suspected to have sleep disorders. It is a method used for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea syndrome, parasomnia, movement disorders during sleep, and respiratory pauses during sleep. Individuals who experience breathing problems during sleep, movement disorders during sleep, respiratory pauses during sleep, fear during their dreams, sweating, or talking during sleep, as well as those who experience symptoms such as waking up during the night or having difficulty falling asleep during the day, may undergo polysomnography.
What to Consider Before Polysomnography Test?
Before a polysomnography test, there are some points that you need to pay attention to:
- Firstly, read and follow the instructions given by the sleep laboratory carefully before going to the laboratory.
- Try to go to the sleep laboratory on the test day at the designated time, as your sleep pattern should be normal to obtain accurate results.
- Avoid using alcohol and cigarettes on the day of the test, as they can affect the quality of your sleep.
- Try to rest in bed on the day of the test because you will need to fall asleep during the test.
- During the test, try to move comfortably in the areas where you placed the sensors so that the sensors do not bother you.
- Carefully follow the instructions given by the sleep laboratory during the test.
- After the test, evaluate your results and treatment options with your sleep specialist.
- During the test, try to follow the instructions given by the sleep laboratory carefully. You may be instructed not to make certain movements and not to use devices such as cell phones during the test.
- Make an appointment with your sleep specialist to evaluate your results and treatment options after the test.
- The data obtained from polysomnography should only be evaluated by a sleep specialist, and it is recommended that you do not interpret the results yourself.
- Before and after the test, you can communicate with the personnel in the sleep laboratory to obtain information about potential problems that may occur during and after the test.
- It is recommended that you consult a sleep specialist who is experienced in treating sleep disorders to ensure that the results obtained after the test are interpreted accurately and the treatment options are applied correctly.
When Was It First Introduced?
Polysomnography is a method used to measure the physiological events that occur during sleep. It is believed that polysomnography was first used in the 1950s. At that time, it was used to treat patients with sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) and involved electroencephalography (EEG) and respiratory measurements along with polysomnography. Polysomnography has become an important method used for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Today, there are many methods used for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. However, polysomnography is one of the most commonly used methods for measuring the physiological events that occur during sleep. Polysomnography measures many parameters such as EEG, electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), respiration, heart rate, movements, body position, and sounds that occur during sleep, to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Polysomnography is used by many health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Are There Any Side Effects of Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is generally considered a safe method, and there are usually no side effects. However, in some cases, there may be some discomfort during the test:
- You may experience sensitivity or itching on your skin due to the electrodes and sensors.
- Due to movement restrictions during the test, you may feel discomfort or claustrophobia.
- Since you need to fall asleep during the test, you may have difficulty falling asleep during the test.
- After the test, there may be side effects due to incorrect interpretation of the data obtained during the test or incorrect application of treatment options resulting in incorrect treatment.
However, the above-mentioned side effects are very rare and usually temporary. In addition, the staff at the sleep laboratory will take necessary precautions to prevent any discomfort that may occur during the test.
It is recommended that you consult a sleep specialist who is experienced in treating sleep disorders to ensure that the results obtained after the test are interpreted accurately and the treatment options are applied correctly, in order to prevent any side effects that may occur as a result of incorrect treatment. Polysomnography is generally considered a non-invasive procedure. During the test, you will need to go to the sleep laboratory and lie in bed.
Electrodes and sensors will be placed on your body, and the physiological events that occur during sleep will be measured. Movement restrictions may occur during the test, but generally, this restriction is minimal and will not cause discomfort. Since you need to fall asleep during the test, you may have difficulty falling asleep during the test, but this condition is usually temporary.
