Polysomnography

What is polysomnography?

Polysomnography, also called PSG, is a test done to see if you have a sleep related breathing disorder (SRBD). PSG is done in a hospital sleep lab, or in your home. During PSG, special equipment is used to learn what kind of SRBD you have. The most common cause of a SRBD is obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when you stop breathing, many different times, while you sleep. The results of this test may tell caregivers what treatment is best for you. Once you are treated, you may need to have another PSG to see if your treatment is working. Treating your SRBD may help make your life better.

Why may I need a PSG?

PSG may be ordered by your caregiver if you have signs and symptoms of a SRBD. Your risk of having a SRBD may be higher if you are overweight, or have a large neck. High blood pressure may also mean that you have a SRBD. The most common reasons for needing a PSG are:

• To check if treatment for your SRBD is working.
  
  
• To watch for sleep walking, night terrors (very bad dreams), or sleep seizures (convulsions).
  
  
• To watch for violent or other harmful sleep related behavior.
  
  
• You have a neuromuscular disorder (problem with nerves that control muscle movement) and sleep problems.
  
  
• Your caregiver thinks you may have a leg movement sleep disorder.
  
  
• You have symptoms of narcolepsy (suddenly falling asleep at any time or place).
  
  
• You wake often during the night.

What are common signs and symptoms of having a sleep related breathing disorder?

Your signs and symptoms may only be noticed by another person in the same room while you sleep. The most common signs and symptoms are:

• Choking or gasping for air while sleeping.
  
  
• Daytime sleepiness.
  
  
• Restlessness (moving a lot while you sleep).
  
  
• Snoring.
  
  
• Sweating in your sleep.
  
  
• Waking with a very dry mouth, or headaches.
  
  
• You stop breathing many times while you are asleep.

How is a PSG test done in the hospital?

• PSG testing is usually done in a sleep center room that looks like a bedroom. Caregivers will tell you how your PSG test will be done. When you are ready, caregivers will put special monitors on you. The monitors will record your sleeping activity so your caregiver can see if you have a SRBD. Monitors use small pads or metal discs that are put on your skin with special glue, called electrodes. The electrodes on your skin will not hurt you. Electrodes may record how you sleep and breathe. They will also record your snoring, leg and facial movements, heart beat, and oxygen levels.
  
  
• Your PSG may be done as a single night or split night test. For a single night test, your sleep will be monitored by caregivers all night. Split night testing is done if you stop breathing at times during the first few hours of the test. If this happens, your caregiver may have you use a breathing machine with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP puts air into your airway through a special mask that fits on your nose, mouth, or both. The split night test with CPAP may help your caregiver know if this treatment will help your SRBD.

How is a PSG test done in my home?

PSG testing may be done in your home if the wait time is too long for hospital testing. Caregivers will tell you how to do an in home PSG test. Before your home PSG, you may need to visit a sleep center to have electrodes put on. Electrodes may record how you sleep and breathe. They may also record your body movements, heart beat, and oxygen levels. You may need to sleep on your back to get the best monitor readings. You will be given a portable monitor to take home for this test.

What can a PSG test tell me about my health?

PSG testing will help tell caregivers if you have a sleep related breathing disorder, and how bad it is. PSG shows if you are not getting enough oxygen in your blood while you sleep. Not having enough oxygen in your blood and brain may make you have memory problems. SRBD's may increase your risk of having serious medical problems such as heart disease and stroke. With a PSG test, your caregiver will be able to choose the best treatment for you.

What should I do after the PSG test?

You will need to make a follow up visit with your caregiver after your PSG test. During the visit, your will get the results of your test. Your caregiver will also talk with you about any needed treatment.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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