Polysomnogram test, commonly called as the ‘Sleep Study’ is done to diagnose the sleep disorder in men, women and children. The test is conducted while you are fully asleep so as to observe your sleeping habits where your doctor records your sleeping patterns and finds sleep disorders if any.
During Polysomnogram test, the doctor examines your blood oxygen level, brainwaves, eye movement, heart motions and breathing rates to help graph your sleep intervals. Polysomnogram test records your body changes between the two stages of sleep: Rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and the non-rapid eye movement sleep (non-REM).
During the REM sleep, your brain, eyes and breathing muscles are active whereas in the non-REM sleep stage your brain activity is at a low-level. Any person who is not suffering from any sleep disorder will switch from non-REM sleep to REM sleep in every 90 minutes experiencing a minimum of four to six sleep cycles every night. The sleep specialists thus observe your sleep cycles and your body reactions to the changes in these cycles to identify troubles in your sleeping pattern.
Diagnostic Uses of Polysomnography
Polysomnogram test is mostly used to diagnose sleep apnea in humans, a common and the most serious sleep disorder that is characterized when you frequently breathe during sleep. Narcolepsy, chronic insomnia, restless leg syndrome are another kind of sleep disorders that can be well diagnosed through Polysomnogram test. Several sleep specialists even warn that sleep disorders if not treated for a long period of time can cause a high risk of strokes, blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Sleep disorders have also been associated with the high risks of accidental injury as people suffering from the sleep disorder are more likely to experience daytime sleepiness that leads to poor concentration and more accidents on the road.
Management of Polysomnography
Polysomnography is often conducted at a sleep specialist center. But a few specialists also conduct sleep study in the hospital and also at home as per the comfort of the patient. Polysomnography is generally done at night, but many centers in Gurgaon carry the test during the day to give freedom to shift workers who have a habit of sleeping during the day. You can bring your own nightwear to sleep comfortably in the center, which is more like a well-equipped room with all good the facilities available for your convenience.
During the Polysomnogram test, it will measure your brain waves, body position, breathing patterns, blood oxygen level, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. and will record this data with the help of small sensors known as electrodes that are placed on your scalp, legs and chest through adhesive spots. The Flexible belts fixed across your chest and stomach will record your chest movements and breathing patterns while a tiny clip on your finger will detect your blood oxygen level.
The possibilities are that while sleeping at the Polysomnogram test center you won’t feel comfy and you may not fall asleep or stay asleep as easily as you would at your home. But, this usually has no impact on the data that is being measured. Accurate results of polysomnography usually don’t necessitate a proper sleep during the night. Also, you can start your normal morning routine right after the polysomnography.
Risks of Polysomnography
Polysomnogram test is risk-free and a painless procedure. You might experience slight itching on your skin from the adhesive that stick the sensors on your body. However, the itching is temporary and may last only for a few minutes or so.
Preparing for Polysomnography
Before taking the Polysomnogram test, your doctor may ask you to avoid drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine. Also, inform your doctor about any medication you are taking and ask him whether you need to stop consuming that medicine too before undertaking the sleep study test.
Interpreting the Results of Polysomnography
The results are available by next day afternoon on mail and you can seek appointment to the sleep specialist any time after the next day. He will collect the data from your sleep study, review it with your medical history, do the diagnosis and come up with the accurate result. Depending upon your result, you will be provided with the right kind of treatment that will improve your ailment and enable you to live a healthy life in future.
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