Do you wake up feeling like you can’t breathe? Does your partner snore loudly right next to you and keep you awake? Both of these scenarios can be evidence of a sleep disorder: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Research shows that one out of five people suffers from this condition, but only 20% are diagnosed. A polysomnogram (PSG) is the gold-standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea.
What is a Polysomnogram, and How Does it Work?
A polysomnogram (PSG) is a type of sleep study that measures several different things while you sleep, such as:
- How many times you stop breathing during the night
- How long you stop breathing
- Your blood oxygen levels throughout the night
This comprehensive test is conducted in a sleep lab and is used to diagnose sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Polysomnography records your brain waves, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during the study.
Would You Feel More Comfortable At Home?
If you would prefer the comfort of your home when it comes to a sleep study, there is an alternative option to traditional polysomnography. An ambulatory PSG (also known as an at-home polysomnogram) allows you to sleep in your bed while the test monitor is hooked up to you wirelessly. This gives doctors all of the same information obtained during a conventional polysomnography study without traveling away from home.
The Gold Standard for Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Polysomnography is the one true way to determine if someone is affected by a sleep disorder. During polysomnography, the patient will be hooked up with an EEG, EKG, and movement sensors which reads brain activity, EKG for heart monitoring, and movement sensors to monitor eye and leg movements during the study.
Sleep Apnea Consultation and Treatment in Burke, VA
If you are unsure if you suffer from sleep apnea, call us today. We can help provide you with solutions to get the best night’s sleep possible. Call us now at 703-323-8200, so we can begin discussing how we may be able to help improve your quality of life through better rest and more energy during the day!
