What is a Sleep Study?

Sleep study is often ordered when your doctor / physician suspect that you have sleep apnea. You can find more about sleep study in this category. Articles in the "Sleep Study" category will explain to you the procedures of the study, what to expect, how to prepare yourself for the study and etc.

 Generally, sleep study is done by PolySomnoGraphy (or PSG). It is a multi-parametic study which involve the recording of several body functions. Some or all of the following might be recorded during a PSG session:
a.) Brain wave - EEG (ElectroEncephaloGram)
b.) Muscle activity - EMG (ElectroMyoGram)
c.) Eye Movement - EOG (ElectroOculoGram)
d.) Heart rhythm - ECG (ElectroCardioGram)
e.) Airflow - Nasal and oral (nasal cannula and oral thermistor)
f.) Blood Oxygen Level - SpO2 (Pulse Oximetry)
g.) Snoring - Nasal Cannula / Vibration sensor

Recording from the above will generate the following data, which enables your doctor / physician to assess the quality of your sleep, and whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea.
a.) Sleep Stage (Stage 1 - 4; REM; Wakeful...)
b.) Flow Limitation
c.) Apnea / Hypopnea Index
d.) Oxygen Desaturation Events
e.) Snoring events
f.) Heart Rate
g.) Arousals

PSG study is often done in hospital setting. However, a partial PSG which monitors less parameters is also a popular choice for those who are very busy or feel uncomfortable to sleep overnight in hospital. Partial PSG only monitors the few parameters such as snoring, flow limitation, blood oxygen level, heart rate, and etc.

Read more about Sleep Study. Related articles can be found under the
"Sleep Study" category.