Polysomnography - Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

In this lifestyle, full of stress and pressure, we end up getting minimal sleep. In most cases, there is a complete lack of sleep and we are left sleep deprived. Often these conditions lead to restlessness, depression, weakness and an inability to do any activity vigorously. There is a special branch of study and medicine that is designed to test our sleep patterns and the way our body behaves when we sleep. This is called as the Polysomnography test.

Often called a sleep study, it is a test that electronically transmits and records some physical activities while you are sleeping. With this data, the doctors can identify if you have a sleep disorder and can suggest the alternative treatment as per your needs. The treatment is also given as a part of the package when you have a psychological disorder. These tests are usually given across for older people who are suffering from trouble sleeping, but with the conditions, we are facing in the day to day lives; the treatment is also suggested for the younger lot nowadays.

There are four types of the sleep study and depending on your needs each one of them is performed.

1. Diagnostic Overnight (PSG) is the general monitoring of the sleep patterns. This is the most common form of test that is advised.
2. Diagnostic daytime multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT) is the second type and is used to check your sleep patterns during day time and the frequency in which you sleep across in a calm daytime environment.
3. Two-night evaluation is a combination of sleep test that is based on your general status on one day and on the second day the same pattern would be repeated with artificially induced agents like oxygen masks, fabricators, etc.
4. Split – night PSG with CPAP titration is the last type and can be done when you have severe sleep disorder patterns or sleep apnea. These treatments are extremely safe and if you have any concerns, you can check with your physician.

A sleep study or polysomnography is done to diagnose the sleeping disorders of a person namely sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia. In this process, the patient needs to spend the night in the sleep laboratory. When you sleep, electrodes are attached to your body and head which monitors your brain waves, breathing and movement. You are monitored over a camera while you sleep. Your anxiety levels are also kept under notice as it is not very easy for a person to sleep at a new place.These treatments are extremely safe, and if you have any concerns, you can check with your physician.

No, there are no side effects to these treatments. You would sleep in a medical center or a hospital with the equipment like electrodes and wires attached to your body. Though it looks uncomfortable at first, most people do not have any issues in sleeping and in displaying their regular sleep patterns. The next day the electrodes can get sticky, and you might need to wash the glue off.

The process of polysomnography is painless thus it is relatively free of risks. There can be slight skin reactions like irritation from the adhesive of the electrodes which are used on the body.

There is no need of a recovery as the test is painless and you can get back to your routine work from next day. You will not be feeling any delusion or any side effects as you would not be injected with any medication during the test. Polysomnography implies records your sleep patterns and the way your body reacts when you sleep.

In India, the treatment costs depend on the type of medical center you are undergoing the treatment. On an average, it might cost about INR 1000 for an overnight stay and the consultation fees and the medications post the test can be additional.

The results of the test are not permanent. You can get back to your routine post the treatment and you would be consulting with your doctor later when the results arrive. Based on the reports, the doctor would advise you upon the changes needed and the medications that need to be followed. A sleep disorder can occur at any stage of life and can depend on a number of situations. Hence one form of treatment may not be beneficial for all.

As an alternative to the treatment, you can identify what is causing you the stress and can try to minimize on your own. You can indulge in regular workouts and exercises to keep your body fit and healthy. Also, you might opt for yoga and meditations so that you can have more control over your sleep patterns.