Partial Sleep Study: Helping patients with sleep problems
To diagnose sleep apnea, physician uses polysomnography (PSG), a multi-parametric test that measures various physiological process when we sleep.
At SJMC Diagnostic services, our sleep lab offers a few types of sleep study: Full polysomnography (Type 1, attended PSG) and Partial sleep study (Type 3, Home Sleep Apnea Test).
Full PSG is the gold standard test for diagnosing various sleep disorder including sleep apnea. It is done in-lab with sleep tech attending the test throughout the night, with multi parameters being monitored during the test such as brain activity (EEG), ECG, eyes movement, breathing pattern and effort, limb movement, blood oxygen saturation, snoring and etc.
On the other hand, home sleep apnea test is used to investigate obstructive sleep apnea. It’s portability and light-weighted device allow the test can be conducted at home where you can sleep comfortably. This test focus on the respiration function only and involve less electrodes and wires
Comparison Table of Full and Partial Sleep Study:
Channels Measured
|
Full PSG Sleep Study |
Partial Sleep Study |
EEG (electroencephalogram) |
✓ |
|
EMG (electromyogram) |
✓ |
|
EOG (electro-oculogram) |
✓ |
|
ECG (electrocardiogram) |
✓ |
|
PLM (Periodic Limb Movement) |
✓ |
|
Nasal Flow |
✓ |
✓ |
Sleep Position |
✓ |
✓ |
Pulse Rate |
✓ |
✓ |
Oxygen Saturation Level |
✓ |
✓ |
Respiratory Effort |
✓ |
✓ |
Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, therapy can be given to help the patient improve their condition. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the leading therapy for sleep apnea. Patients wear a face or nasal mask during sleep. The mask, connected to a pump, provides a positive flow of air into the nasal passages in order to keep the airway open. CPAP benefits include better sleep quality, improve memory and attentiveness during daytime, reduce morning headaches, reduce irritability and enhance performance at work or school.