Description of Polysomnogram

Simultaneous recording of various physiologic characteristics is performed by a skilled sleep technician. Please note: Not every type of monitoring will be used for every patient. The sleep technician will determine which types of monitoring to utilize based on the condition being assessed.

• Electroencephalography (brain waves) is used to determine sleep stages and detect epileptiform activity.

• Electro-oculography (eye movements) is used to detect rapid eye movements.

• Electromyography (muscle activity) is used to detect periodic limb movements and other movement disorders.

• Electrocardiography (heart rhythm) is used to detect arrhythmias.

• Various respiratory monitors in the nose, mouth, esophagus, around the chest and abdomen allow for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and a variety of other sleep disordered breathing conditions.

• Oximetry and expired or transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring may be used to detect underlying cardiopulmonary disease.

• Body position sensors are used to detect the relationship of body position to various sleep disorders.

• Video monitoring is used elucidate various parasomnias such as somnambulism.

• Penile tumescence monitoring is used to elucidate the etiology of erectile dysfunction.

• Upper airway pH is used to detect both Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and gastric reflux.

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or Bi-Level (dual-level Positive Airway Pressure) entails a mask being worn over your nose to treat sleep disordered breathing.