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Polysomnogram
Alternate Names : Polysomnography, Rapid Eye Movement Studies, Sleep Studies
DefinitionA polysomnograph is a test of sleep cycles and stages through the use of continuous recordings of brain waves (EEG), electrical activity of muscles, eye movement (electrooculogram), respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rhythm and direct observation of the person during sleep.
There are two states of sleep: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is associated with dreaming and paralysis of body muscles (except for the eye and diaphragm muscles). NREM sleep has four stages distinguishable by EEG waves. REM sleep alternates with NREM sleep approximately every 90 minutes. A person with normal sleep usually has four to five cycles of REM and NREM sleep during a night.
Pictures & Images
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Why is the Test Performed?
The test is performed for insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, breathing difficulties during sleep, or behavior disturbances during sleep.
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- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric)
- Memory Loss
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Special Considerations
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Narcolepsy
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Sleep Disorders
Tests & Exams
• Blood Pressure
• EEG
• Pulse
Other Topics
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Breathing Difficulty
• Drowsiness
• Muscle Cramps
• Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
• Respiratory
• School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
• Sleeping Difficulty
Review Date : 10/23/2003
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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