Whole Night sleep study test: Procedure and polysomnography
A sleep study test , more formally known as a polysomnogram, is performed to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia , and restless leg syndrome (RLS). It involves spending the night at a sleep laboratory that's part of a hospital or an outpatient sleep clinic. As you sleep, electrodes attached to your head and body monitor your brain waves, breathing, and movement. A technician watches as you sleep via a discreet camera. Since it can be strange to sleep somewhere other than your bed and to know that you're being monitored and observed, you may feel some anxiety about the experience. The more you understand why the test is important and what to expect, the more comfortable you'll feel. Purpose of Test Your doctor may want you to have a sleep study if you have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently, snore, or have other symptoms of a sleep disorder.1 A polysomnogram might also be advisable based on a screening test for narcolepsy (excessive daytime sl...