Polysomnography (PSG) is a medical test method used to diagnose and monitor sleep disorders. This test aims to simultaneously monitor different physiological functions of the body during sleep. It is usually performed in a sleep laboratory and records brain activity, eye movements, heart rhythm, respiration, muscle activity and other parameters during sleep using a series of measuring devices. This data is important for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
The purpose of PSG is to provide objective data to specialists to diagnose sleep disorders and create appropriate treatment plans by recording changes that occur during sleep. This test is important to improve sleep quality and enhance patients' quality of life. For people with suspected sleep disorders, PSG can help initiate appropriate diagnosis and treatment processes.
What Values Are Measured During Polysomnography?
A number of different physiological and neurological parameters are measured during polysomnography (PSG). These parameters are used to monitor various functions of the body during sleep and to diagnose sleep disorders. The main values measured during PSG can be listed as follows:
Electroencephalography (EEG): Used to monitor brain activity. It is important for detecting sleep periods and changes in brain activity.
Eye Movements (Electrooculography or EOG): Helps identify REM sleep by recording the movements of the eyes. REM sleep is usually the period during which dreams are experienced.
Jaw Muscles (Electromyography or EMG): Measures the activity of the jaw muscles to help detect problems during sleep, such as teeth clenching or grinding.
Heart Rhythm (Electrocardiography or ECG): The heart rate and rhythm are recorded. It is important for monitoring heart problems during sleep.
Air Flow in the Airways: Breathing is monitored during sleep and breathing problems such as sleep apnea are tried to be detected. Chest and abdominal movements are also monitored to observe how breathing occurs.
Oxygen Saturation (Oximetry): Measures how much oxygen the blood carries. Decreased oxygen levels may indicate breathing disorders such as sleep apnea.
Leg Movements: (Used to monitor movement disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome.
Sound Recording (Soundometry): Recording snoring and other sounds can help diagnose sleep disorders.
All these values are used as a tool to identify changes that occur during sleep and to diagnose sleep disorders. PSG results are interpreted by a sleep specialist or neurologist and help to create appropriate treatment plans.
Who is undergoing polysomnography?
Polysomnography (PSG) can be applied to different groups under certain conditions to diagnose and examine sleep disorders. PSG is usually performed in the following cases:
- Suspicion of a sleep disorder,
- Diagnosis of sleep apnea,
- Diagnosis of narcolepsy,
- Parasomnia (sleep sequence disorders) examination,
- Sleep quality monitoring,
- Post-treatment monitoring,
- Frequent awakening,
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.