Polygraphy
Polygraphy – examination of sleep breathing disorder
Outpatient sleep diagnostics – a convenient, safe and clinically relevant method
Polygraphy is a modern and effective diagnostic technique that allows to detect breathing problems while asleep. It’s especially useful when sleep apnea or other respiratory problems are suspected, which can put health and even life at risk.
The examination provides a real picture of the body’s functions during sleep, helps accurately diagnose deviations and chooses the most appropriate treatment tactics.
What can be diagnosed with polygraphy?
Polygraphy enables the detection of:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – the most common sleep breathing disease, where the airways become partially or completely blocked during sleep;
- Central sleep apnea – when the brain signals regulating breathing temporarily stop;
- Hypoapnoea episodes – incomplete respiratory reduction;
- Neuromuscular respiratory disorders
- Night hypoventilation – insufficient gas exchange in sleep;
- Drops in oxygen saturation (desaturation) in the blood
- Other sleep disorders.
Examination process
The polygraphy examination is performed at night during the patient’s natural sleep and can be performed outpatient – at home. At the clinic, the patient is being trained on how to connect the device properly before night. The device is compact, easy to use, and automatically records the required parameters throughout the night.
The exam is:
- painless,
- non-invasive,
- harmless and
- does not cause discomfort during sleep.
In the morning, the patient simply removes the device and returns it to the clinic, where the doctor analyses the findings and prepares a detailed conclusion with recommendations for further treatment or follow-up.
What indicators are recorded during polygraphy?
The printing device records several essential physiological parameters during sleep:
- The flow of air through the nose and/or mouth;
- Chest and abdominal breathing movements
- Heart rate (pulse)
- Oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2)
- The frequency and duration of episodes of hypopnoea and apnoea;
- Changes in body position;
- Often also snoring and its relationship to respiratory arrest.
These data allow the physician to accurately determine the severity of sleep disorders and assess the need for further sleep medical examination or treatment, such as CPAP therapy.
Duration of examination
- Installation of the device and training at the clinic: ~ 20-30 minutes.
- Monitoring: throughout the night during sleep (usually 6-9 hours).
Preparing for examination
- No special preparation is required.
- It is recommended to follow the usual daily rhythm and avoid alcohol or sedative medication before the examination unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Provide a chance to sleep in a normal environment as it helps you get more accurate results.
Benefits of polygraphy
- Ability to perform the examination at home, in a natural sleep environment
- Non-invasive, comfortable and reliable method
- High sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing sleep breathing disorders
- Rapid data analysis and preparation of treatment plans
- Suitable for both adults and elderly patients
When is polygraphy recommended?
If the following signs are present:
- Loud snoring and pauses of breath in sleep (observed by spouses),
- Persistent fatigue during the day, drowsiness,
- Inability to concentrate, headache in the morning,
- High blood pressure, especially in the morning,
- Suspected sleep apnea, neuromuscular disorders or night hypoventilation
- Periodic respiratory changes have been observed in children or seniors.