Sleep studies

Sleep studies, also known as polysomnography, are diagnostic tests conducted to evaluate and diagnose various sleep disorders. Sleep is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, and disruptions in sleep patterns can have profound effects on physical and mental health. Sleep studies are particularly helpful in identifying issues such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and other sleep-related disorders.

During a sleep study, a patient spends a night in a sleep center or hospital while connected to various monitoring devices. These devices record key physiological parameters such as brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, respiratory effort, and oxygen levels. The gathered data provides valuable insights into the different sleep cycles and helps healthcare professionals identify abnormalities that may be contributing to sleep disturbances.

Sleep studies are especially vital in diagnosing sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The information gathered from the study aids in determining the severity of the condition and guides treatment decisions. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or in more severe cases, surgery.