Current practice of polysomnography

Polysomnography involves recording and analysis of electrical and other bodily signals during a complete sleep period. As an introduction to the discussion the history of polysomnography will highlight the method’s evolution. The following sections will introduce polysomnography parameters used in sleep medicine practice and research namely electroencephalography electromyography electrooculography the related physiology (e.g. breathing and respiration airflow effort) ventilatory and cardiac functions movements in sleep and behavior monitoring. On the basis of the results provided these data enable the specialist to differentiate clinical diagnosis. Polysomnography is also suitable for continuous monitoring over a wide range of brainwave frequencies fluctuations that can play a crucial role in determining the vigilance state of the brain across sleep stages. In this book we hope to provide you with a basis for understanding polysomnography and its current application.