The Different Types of Polysomnography Tests: Which One is Right for You?

Sleep is an essential part of our daily lives. It plays a vital role in our physical and mental health, affecting our immune system, mood, and cognitive function. Unfortunately, many people suffer from sleep disorders that prevent them from getting the quality of sleep they need to stay healthy. This is where polysomnography comes in.

Polysomnography, a sleep study, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to evaluate sleep disorders. It involves monitoring a person’s physiological parameters during sleep, including brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, and respiratory effort.

During a polysomnography test, the person typically spends the night in a sleep center while sensors and electrodes are attached to the body to monitor their physiological parameters. A sleep specialist then analyzes the data collected to diagnose any sleep disorders.

Sleep studies are crucial in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Many people with sleep disorders are unaware that they have a problem, and polysomnography can provide valuable insight into their sleep patterns.

Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. They can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, mood changes, and even increase the risk of accidents or other health problems.

By identifying and treating sleep disorders, people can experience improved sleep quality, reduced symptoms, and better overall health. Sleep studies are also beneficial in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments and monitoring the progression of sleep disorders over time.

Full polysomnography (PSG) is the most comprehensive type of sleep study. It involves monitoring a person’s physiological parameters during sleep for an entire night. During a Full PSG, a person will typically spend the night in a sleep center or lab, where a sleep technologist will monitor them.

The physiological parameters monitored during a Full PSG may include brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, respiratory effort, oxygen levels, and snoring. A sleep specialist then analyzes the data collected to diagnose any sleep disorders.

During a Full PSG, a person will be connected to sensors and electrodes that monitor their physiological parameters. These may include:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) sensors to monitor brain activity.
• Electromyography (EMG) sensors to monitor muscle tone.
• Electrooculography (EOG) sensors to monitor eye movements.
• Electrocardiography (ECG) sensors to monitor heart rate and rhythm.
• Respiratory sensors to monitor breathing patterns, including airflow, oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide levels.

A Full PSG may be recommended for people with sleep disorder symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or pauses in breathing during sleep. It may also be recommended for people who have underlying medical conditions that may affect their sleep, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure.

Full PSG is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for sleep disorders, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea.

Split-Night PSG is a sleep study that combines diagnostic and treatment components into a single night. During a Split-Night PSG, a person will undergo a diagnostic PSG for the first part of the night, followed by the application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for the rest of the night.

The diagnostic PSG portion of the test involves monitoring a person’s physiological parameters during sleep, including brain activity, muscle tone, eye movements, heart rate, and breathing patterns. If the test shows evidence of sleep apnea during the first part of the night, CPAP therapy will be applied for the remainder of the night.

The equipment used during a Split-Night PSG is similar to that used during a Full PSG. It may include EEG sensors to monitor brain activity, EMG sensors to monitor muscle tone, EOG sensors to monitor eye movements, ECG sensors to monitor heart rate and rhythm, and respiratory sensors to monitor breathing patterns.

During the second part of the night, CPAP therapy equipment may also be used. This may include a mask worn over the nose or mouth, connected to a machine that delivers pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep.

Split-Night PSG may be recommended for people with sleep apnea symptoms, such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness. It may also be recommended for people with a high risk of sleep apnea based on their medical history, physical examination, or other diagnostic tests.

Split-Night PSG is often used as a more efficient alternative to Full PSG. By combining diagnostic and treatment components into a single night, Split-Night PSG can diagnose sleep apnea and start CPAP therapy more promptly.

A Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) is a type of sleep study that can be done in the comfort of a person’s home. It involves using a portable device that monitors a person’s breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate during sleep.

The device is typically worn on the finger or wrist and is easy to use. Based on their medical history or other diagnostic tests, it may be recommended for people who have symptoms of sleep apnea or who are at high risk of sleep apnea.

The equipment used during an HSAT typically includes a small, portable device that monitors a person’s breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate during sleep. The device may be worn on the finger, wrist, or chest and is easy to use.

HSAT may be recommended for people who have symptoms of sleep apnea or who are at a high risk of sleep apnea based on their medical history or other diagnostic tests. It may also be recommended for people who cannot undergo a traditional in-lab sleep study, such as those living in remote areas or with mobility issues.

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a type of sleep study that measures how quickly a person falls asleep during the day. It is often used to diagnose narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.

During an MSLT, a person will take a series of naps throughout the day. Each nap is typically 20 minutes long, and the person will be monitored for signs of sleep, including brain activity, muscle tone, and eye movements.

Equipment Used During MSLT

The equipment used during an MSLT is similar to that used during a Full PSG or Split-Night PSG. It may include EEG sensors to monitor brain activity, EMG sensors to monitor muscle tone, and EOG sensors to monitor eye movements.

Who is a Candidate for MSLT?

MSLT may be recommended for people who have symptoms of narcolepsy, such as excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy). It may also be recommended for people with unusual sleep patterns or difficulty staying awake during the day.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is a type of sleep study that measures a person’s ability to stay awake during the day. It is often used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.

During an MWT, a person sits quietly in a darkened room and is asked to stay awake for a set amount of time. The person is monitored for signs of sleep, including brain activity, muscle tone, and eye movements.

Equipment Used During MWT

The equipment used during an MWT is similar to that used during a Full PSG or Split-Night PSG. It may include EEG sensors to monitor brain activity, EMG sensors to monitor muscle tone, and EOG sensors to monitor eye movements.

Who is a candidate for MWT?

MWT may be recommended for people who have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, and are undergoing treatment, such as CPAP therapy. It may also be recommended for people with jobs requiring them to stay alert, such as pilots or truck drivers.

If you are experiencing sleep problems or have sleep disorder symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if a sleep study is necessary and which type is most appropriate for your needs.

A sleep specialist can interpret the results of your sleep study and, if necessary, provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. They can also monitor the effectiveness of treatments and make adjustments as needed.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. If you are experiencing sleep problems, it is important to seek help. Polysomnography is a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, and several different types of sleep studies are available to suit your individual needs.

By working with a healthcare provider and getting a sleep study, you can take the first step towards improving your sleep quality and overall health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it!

If you are experiencing sleep problems or have symptoms of a sleep disorder, it is important to seek help. Visit Gwinnett Lung to learn more about our sleep diagnostic services and how we can help you get the quality of sleep you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced sleep specialists.