polysomnography
Pronunciation: pol-ee-som-NOG-ruh-fee
Comprehensive overnight sleep study recording brain waves, breathing, heart rate, and muscle activity to diagnose sleep disorders.
Full Definition
Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard diagnostic test in sleep medicine, involving continuous monitoring of multiple physiological parameters during sleep. The study typically records electroencephalography (EEG), electrooculography (EOG), electromyography (EMG), respiratory effort, airflow, and oxygen saturation. PSG is essential for diagnosing conditions like sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and parasomnias. The test is usually conducted in a specialized sleep laboratory over a full night.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as PSG in clinical documentation. Avoid the common misspelling 'polysonography'.
In Context
- "The patient was scheduled for polysomnography to evaluate suspected obstructive sleep apnea." — Sleep clinic referral letter
- "Polysomnography revealed an apnea-hypopnea index of 45 events per hour." — Sleep study report