The Polysomnogram is the most common test utilized to analyze your sleep. The Polysomnogram consists of at least thirteen sensors that monitor different aspects of your sleep. An infrared video camera is also present in the room to assist the sleep technician in monitoring your sleep.
Basic sleep monitoring includes:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) - measures and records the electrical activity of your brain in order to determine the different stages of your sleep. Certain conditions, such as seizures, can be seen by the changes in the normal pattern of the brain's electrical activity.
- Electromyogram (EMG) - measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during sleep. This sensor evaluates disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Leg Movement Disorder
- Electro-occulography (EOG) - measures movement of the eyes and can help determine the stage of sleep
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – monitors the electrical activity of your heart and evaluates any potential rhythm abnormalities associated with sleep disorders
- Respiratory monitoring - monitors your breathing and evaluates for sleep related breathing disorders including sleep apnea
- Oximetry - measures the concentration of oxygen in the blood which helps check the functionality of the heart and lungs