Polysomnography

Polysomnography is a comprehensive overnight sleep study that records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns and eye and limb movements to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea. It remains the gold-standard investigation for confirming the diagnosis and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea and for identifying other complex sleep disturbances. The extensive monitoring allows a sleep specialist to correlate different physiological signals with observed sleep-stage changes throughout the night. Because it is performed in a dedicated sleep lab, the environment can feel unfamiliar, though technicians assist patients in settling in before recording begins.

Polysomnography is recommended for patients diagnosed with specific conditions where other approaches have been insufficient. Your Sleep Medicine specialist will assess your suitability based on your diagnosis, health history, and treatment goals.

The typical duration is Overnight, 7-8 hours. This may vary based on the complexity of your case and individual response to treatment.

Recovery typically takes No recovery is needed. Results are typically available within a week, and the findings are used to plan treatment such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes.. Your care team will provide specific instructions based on your response and overall health.

Side effects vary by individual and are detailed in the section above. Your specialist will discuss all risks and benefits with you before treatment begins. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but are part of the informed consent process.

Polysomnography has a documented success rate of 95%+ diagnostic accuracy for sleep disorders at accredited facilities. Outcomes depend on disease stage, patient health, and adherence to the treatment plan and aftercare instructions.