Sleep Disorders

07/21/2010 in article

When the diagnosis is uncertain or when doctors suspect certain types of sleep disorders, evaluation in a sleep laboratory may be recommended. The evaluation consists of polysomnography and observation and sometimes video recording of unusual movements during an entire night's sleep. Polysomnography includes the following:

Electroencephalography (EEG), which records the brain's electrical activity
Electrocardiography (ECG), which records heart rhythm and rate
Recording and monitoring of breathing functions
Electro-oculography, which records eye movement during REM sleep
Electromyography, which records muscle activity of the facial area and legs
Oximetry, which records oxygen levels in the blood with a painless ear clip or finger clip