A polysomnograph is a diagnostic test used on patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea to record various factors in determining the extent of the sleep disorder and the treatment required. If you are unsure if you have this problem you might consider this test. Sensors are placed strategically on the patient to test them for the following factors and determine the severity of the problem:
Air flow this determines the amount of air moving into and out of the airways to determine the extent of occurrences.
Brain electrical activity (EEG or Electroencephalogram) this determines what stage of sleep the patient is in at any time during the test.
EKG this records the heart rate and rhythm during the test and determines if any of the occurrences are leading to heart arrhythmias.
Eye (EOG or Electroocculogram) - this records the movements of the eye during the test.
Jaw muscle movement (EMG or Electromyogram) this records any waking periods or spastic movements or arousals during the test.
Leg muscle movement (EMG or Electromyogram) this records muscle movements during the time asleep.
Oxygen saturation or Pulse oximeter this measures the oxygen saturation on fingers and ear lobes.
Respiratory effort or piezo crystal effort sensor in the chest and abdominal areas this determines movements in the chest wall or abdominal areas during breathing.
This study determines if there are any abnormalities in any of the stages of sleep. The six stages that you go through are:
Awake
Transition from awake to sleep
Light sleep
Transition into Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
Deep sleep
REM sleep
With obstructive sleep apnea there is generally more than 50% decrease in airflow with some efforts to breathe lasting over ten seconds. Central sleep apnea is defined when there is no airflow along with the ten second effort to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea means you have both central as well as obstructive types. The polysomnograph results will determine what the next steps will be in treating the sleep apnea problem. As with anything else, this test will vary by individual so the treatment options will also vary depending on the severity of the problem.