The Key to a Healthy Life: Healthy Sleep and Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

Why Do We Need to Sleep?

Sleep is very important for our overall health and wellbeing. Not only does it help us feel rested and refreshed but it also plays a critical role in many different bodily processes. Here are a few reasons why do we need to sleep? and why sleep is important for our health:

Physical Health: Sleep is important for physical health in a number of ways. During sleep, our body produces and releases important hormones that help with growth and repair, regulate blood sugar levels and control appetite. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even some forms of cancer.
Mental Health: Sleep is also important for mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to mood disturbances, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Cognitive Function: Sleep plays a critical role in cognitive function, including learning, memory and problem-solving. During sleep, our brain consolidates memories and processes information from the previous day. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, making it harder to concentrate, learn new things and remember important information.
Immune Function: Sleep is also important for immune system. During sleep our body produces cytokines, which are proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of illness.
Safety: Sleep is important for safety. Lack of sleep can impair reaction time, coordination and decision-making and making it more dangerous to drive or operate heavy machinery. Sleep is also important for preventing accidents and injuries at work and at home.

Getting enough high-quality sleep can help prevent a wide range of health problems, improve cognitive function and mood and keep us safe and alert throughout the day.

What Are The Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect a person’s ability to get restful and restorative sleep. There are many different types of sleep disorders and they can have a range of causes and symptoms. Here are most common sleep disorders and statistics:

Insomnia: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder that affecting up to 30% of adults at some point in their lives. It is more common in women and older adults and is often linked to factors like stress, anxiety and depression.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million Americans and is more common in men and people over the age of 40. It is often linked to obesity and can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy affects an estimated 1 in 2,000 people and is lead to a problem with the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Symptoms may include excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks and cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone).
Restless Leg Syndrome: Restless leg syndrome affects up to 10% of adults and is more common in women and older adults. It often disrupts sleep and can cause to daytime fatigue.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Circadian rhythm disorders are a group of sleep disorders that affect our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Shift work disorder for example, affects up to 20% of shift workers and can cause to insomnia and daytime sleepiness.
Parasomnias: Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements or behaviors during sleep. Sleepwalking affects up to 4% of adults and is more common in children. Night terrors are also more common in children so affecting up to 6% of them.

What Are The Treatment Ways For Sleep Disorders?

Here are common treatment options for sleep disorders:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that can be effective for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders. It involves working with a therapist to identify and address negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to sleep problems.
Medications: There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat sleep disorders which depending on the specific condition. Examples include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and medications to treat sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Changes: Making changes to your lifestyle can also be effective for improving sleep quality. This might include practicing good sleep hygiene (such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and creating a comfortable sleep environment), exercising regularly and managing stress.
Medical Devices: In some cases, medical devices can be used to treat sleep disorders. For example Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine can be used to treat sleep apnea by providing a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open.
Surgery: Surgery may be an option for some types of sleep disorders that particularly those related to airway obstruction. This might involve removing excess tissue from the throat or upper airway or reconstructing the jaw or other facial bones.

What is Sleep Study Types?

There are several types of sleep studies:

Polysomnography (PSG): This is a comprehensive sleep study that monitors a wide range of physiological parameters during sleep, including brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns and oxygen levels. PSG is used to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): This test is used to diagnose narcolepsy and measures the time it takes a person to fall asleep during the day. Test is usually conducted the day after a PSG test.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): This test measures a person’s ability to stay awake during the day and is typically used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): This is a simplified version of PSG that is performed at home. HSAT typically involves the use of a portable device that monitors breathing, oxygen levels and other physiological parameters during sleep.
Actigraphy: This test uses a device worn on the wrist to monitor movement during sleep and wake periods. It is often used to evaluate sleep patterns in individuals with circadian rhythm disorders or to track treatment progress.

What is Polysomnography?

Polysomnography (PSG) is a type of sleep study that is used to diagnose and evaluate sleep disorders. It involves monitoring a patient’s physiological responses while they sleep, including brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate and respiratory effort.

During a polysomnography test patient will typically spend the night in a sleep lab or hospital, where they are connect to a variety of sensors and electrodes. These sensors record data on the patient’s brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, and breathing patterns, among other things.

PSG data is analyzed by a sleep specialist to evaluate the patient’s sleep patterns and identify any disruptions or abnormalities. It can be used to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome.

Polysomnography is a non-invasive test that is considered safe for most patients. It is typically recommended for patients who are experiencing chronic sleep problems or who have symptoms of a sleep disorder.

What is the Polysomnography Types?

There are different types of polysomnography (PSG) tests that may be used to diagnose and evaluate sleep disorders. Here are mostly used types of Polysomnography tests:

Standard Polysomnography: This is the most common type of PSG test which involves monitoring patient’s brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate and breathing patterns. Patient typically spends the night in a sleep lab or hospital where they are connected to a variety of sensors and electrodes.
Split-Night Polysomnography: This type of PSG test is typically used when sleep apnea is suspected. The first half of the night is spent diagnosing the condition and the second half is spent trying out a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to treat the condition.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): This type of PSG test is used to diagnose narcolepsy and other sleep disorders that involve excessive daytime sleepiness. Patient takes a series of short naps during the day while their brain waves, eye movements and muscle activity are monitored.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): This type of PSG test is used to evaluate a patient’s ability to stay awake during the day. Patient is asked to stay awake during designated periods while their brain waves, eye movements and muscle activity are monitored.
Home Sleep Testing: This is a type of PSG test that can be done in the patient’s own home. Patient is given a portable monitoring device to wear while they sleep which records their breathing patterns, oxygen levels and other data.

How is Polysomnography Performed?

Here is an overview of how PSG is performed:

Preparation: Before the test patient will typically meet with a sleep specialist to discuss their sleep history, symptoms and any medications they are taking. Patient may be asked to avoid caffeine, alcohol and some medications prior to the test. On the night of the test, patient will be asked to arrive at the sleep center in comfortable clothing.
Setup: Patient will be taken to a private room where they will spend the night. Room is typically equipped with a comfortable bed, pillows and blankets. A trained technician will then attach various sensors and electrodes to the patient’s scalp, face, chest and legs. Sensors and electrodes are used to monitor the patient’s brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate and breathing patterns.
Monitoring: During the test, patient will be monitored by the technician who will observe their sleep and make any necessary adjustments to the monitoring equipment. Patient will be able to move and turn during the night but the technician will ensure that the sensors and electrodes stay in place.
Data Collection: Sensors and electrodes record the patient’s brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate and breathing patterns throughout the night. This information is recorded on a computer and later analyzed by a sleep specialist.
Completion of Test: In the morning, technician will remove the sensors and electrodes from the patient. Patient will then be able to go home or continue with their day, depending on the timing of the test.

After the test, recorded data is analyzed by a sleep specialist who will look for any abnormalities or disruptions in the patient’s sleep. Depending on the results of the test, patient may receive a diagnosis and treatment plan which may involve medications, lifestyle changes or the use of a medical device like a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

FAQs About Polysomnography

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about polysomnography (PSG):

What is polysomnography?

Polysomnography is a comprehensive sleep study that monitors a variety of physiological parameters during sleep, including brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns and oxygen levels.

Why is polysomnography done?

Polysomnography is used to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy and REM sleep behavior disorder.

How is polysomnography performed?

Polysomnography is typically performed in a sleep lab or clinic and involves attaching electrodes and sensors to the patient’s scalp, face, chest and limbs to monitor various physiological parameters during sleep.

Is polysomnography painful?

No, polysomnography is not painful. The electrodes and sensors used during the test are typically attached with adhesive and are designed to be comfortable during sleep.

How long does polysomnography take?

A typical polysomnography test lasts for one night although in some cases, second night of testing may be needed.

What should I do to prepare for polysomnography?

Your sleep specialist will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the test but in general, it’s important to avoid caffeine and alcohol before the test and to bring comfortable sleepwear and any necessary medications.

Can I take my medication during polysomnography?

Yes, you should continue to take any necessary medications during polysomnography unless your sleep specialist advises you otherwise.

Can I eat before polysomnography?

Yes, you can eat before polysomnography but it’s important to avoid heavy or spicy meals that may interfere with sleep.

Will I be able to move during polysomnography?

Yes, you will be able to move during polysomnography although the electrodes and sensors may limit your movement somewhat.

Will I be able to use the restroom during polysomnography?

Yes, you will be able to use the restroom during polysomnography although the technician may need to unhook some of the electrodes temporarily.

Can I bring my own pillow or blanket to polysomnography?

Yes, you can bring your own pillow or blanket to polysomnography as long as they are clean and do not interfere with the electrodes or sensors.

What happens after polysomnography?

After polysomnography, data collected during the test is analyzed by a sleep specialist, who will use the results to make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Is polysomnography covered by insurance?

In most cases polysomnography is covered by insurance, although the specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on your insurance plan.

How long does it take to get the results of polysomnography?

The results of polysomnography are typically available within a few days although the exact timeframe may vary depending on the sleep center or clinic.

Will I need to repeat polysomnography?

In some cases, second night of polysomnography may be needed to confirm a diagnosis or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Your sleep specialist will discuss this with you if it is necessary.

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