Polysomnography is a test used to analyze sleep quality and diagnose sleep-related illnesses and may be indicated for people of all ages. During the polysomnography exam, the patient sleeps with electrodes attached to the body that allow simultaneous recording of various parameters such as brain activity, eye movements, muscle activities, breathing, among others.
The main indications of the review include the research and evaluation of disorders such as:
- Polysomnography is usually done overnight in the hospital.
- To allow follow-up; In some cases.
- Home polysomnography can be done with a portable device that.
- Although not as complete as that performed in the hospital.
- Can be useful in cases indicated by your doctor.
Polysomnography is performed in clinics specializing in sleep or neurology, and can be performed free of charge by the SUS, provided that the doctor properly indicates it, can also be covered by some health plans, or it can be done privately, and its price costs, on average, from 800 to 2000 reais, depending on where it is performed and the parameters evaluated during the exam.
To perform polysomnography, electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp and body, as well as a sensor on the finger, so that, during sleep, the parameters for the detection of changes suspected by the doctor are analyzed.
Thus, during polysomnography, several evaluations are performed including:
Polysomnography is a noninvasive and painless test, so it does not usually cause side effects, the most common being the skin irritation caused by the glue used to fix the electrodes on the skin.
The test should not be done when the patient has the flu, cough, cold, fever, or other problems that may interfere with sleep and test result.
To perform polysomnography it is recommended to avoid drinking coffee, energy drinks or alcoholic beverages 24 hours before the test, avoid the use of creams and gel that make it difficult to fix the electrodes and not paint the nails with dark enamel.
In addition, it is advisable to keep the use of the usual remedies before and during the exam. A tip to make your sleep easier during the exam is to bring comfortable pajamas and clothing, in addition to your pillow or personal effects.