Polysomnography, commonly known as a sleep study, is a comprehensive diagnostic test used to evaluate sleep disorders. It monitors multiple physiological parameters during sleep to detect abnormalities in sleep patterns, breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, brain activity, and muscle movements. Polysomnography is essential for diagnosing conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia, and periodic limb movement disorder. The test is typically conducted overnight in a specialised sleep laboratory under controlled and comfortable conditions. Patients are connected to electrodes, sensors, and monitoring devices that record brain waves (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate (ECG), respiratory effort, airflow, and oxygen saturation. This comprehensive monitoring allows sleep specialists to evaluate sleep architecture, detect interruptions in breathing, and assess overall sleep quality.

Polysomnography is particularly valuable in diagnosing sleep apnea, a condition where pauses in breathing during sleep lead to oxygen desaturation, fragmented sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. It also helps identify the severity of the disorder, guiding treatment decisions such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or surgical interventions. In cases of unexplained daytime fatigue, seizures during sleep, or abnormal sleep behaviours, polysomnography provides critical insights for accurate diagnosis. The procedure is safe, non-invasive, and monitored by trained technologists throughout the night. Data is analysed by sleep specialists, who generate a detailed report with diagnosis, severity grading, and treatment recommendations. Polysomnography often serves as the foundation for personalised therapy, including CPAP titration studies, lifestyle modifications, and multidisciplinary care involving ENT, pulmonology, and neurology services.

By enabling accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of sleep disorders, polysomnography improves sleep quality, daytime alertness, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life, making it an essential tool in modern sleep medicine.