Sleep Study (Polysomnogram)
There are a number of sleep disorders that individuals can suffer from, the treatment of these conditions is essential for continued health. Issues that have been linked to sleeping complications include:
- Diminished mental capacity, this can increase incidence of poor judgment and accidents
- Contribute to memory loss
- Increases risk of heart disease including CHF, MI, arrhythmia, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes
- Shortened lifespan
- Depression and other psychological disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
A physician may recommend a sleep study, or polysomnogram, be performed to assess the extent of the problem being dealt with. As the name suggests, this is a test which monitors the sleeping habits of an individual to ascertain if there are any irregularities such as:
- Sleep related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- Narcolepsy
- REM disorder
- Insomnia
Patients may present to a health care provider with complaints of:
- Sleeping during the day
- Snoring or holding breath during sleep, this is typically noticed by a partner
- Difficulty sleeping or remaining asleep
- Narcolepsy
- Periodic limb movements, restless legs during sleep
- REM disorders, like sleep walking or acting out the dreams
A sleep study or polysomnogram is completed in the sleep unit of a hospital or a specialized sleep center. The testing is noninvasive with minimal complications possible. Occasionally, patients will develop a mild irritation from the adhesive used to attach the sensors to the skin.
Since the test is designed to monitor the normal sleep cycle, no medications will be provided and the individual will be requested not to have caffeine, alcohol, or any stimulants prior to the scheduled appointment. An individual will be provided with a private, quiet room and encouraged to use their own routine materials such as clothing to sleep in, stuffed animals, or other items associated with the sleep cycle.
A number of monitoring devices are focused on the person being watched by the sleep technicians. Audio and video are set up within the room, and other sensors will be attached directly to the individual. These sensors are placed at the temples, along the scalp, chest, and legs. An oxygen monitor will also be clipped to the finger to record blood oxygen levels. As the study is conducted, a continuous graph is created that contains the brain wave activity, eye movements, respiratory and heart rhythm, oxygen levels, body movements and positions, as well as any noises being made by the person undergoing the study.
The results of the Sleep Study or Polysomnograph are interpreted twice, first by a sleep technician and then by a physician. A typical wait time for the results averages two weeks, at which point a health care provider will be able to provide treatment options if applicable.
Some treatments that may be offered are prescription medications created to address the specific symptoms. A CPAP machine to aid with sleep apnea may be offered for utilization by the patient. Behavioral or environmental changes to modify pre sleep and sleep cycle habits to promote the best results possible.
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