Polysomnography – Medical Examination in a Sleep Lab
When was the last time you truly had restorative sleep? If your thoughts drift far back, you are not alone. Sleep disorders are widespread and range from trouble falling asleep to serious conditions such as sleep apnea.
In everyday life, many people notice late how much their well-being suffers from poor sleep quality, often taking action only once health issues already appear. Polysomnography is considered the gold standard of sleep medicine. It provides the foundation for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment.
What Is Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is a comprehensive overnight study in a sleep laboratory where multiple body functions are monitored and analyzed:
- Brain activity (EEG)
- Breathing and oxygen saturation
- Heart rate (ECG)
- Eye movements (EOG)
- Muscle activity (EMG)
In addition, body position is recorded and a video is made to document sleep behavior visually.
Unlike polygraphy, which uses a portable device at home and measures only a limited number of parameters, polysomnography provides a full picture. It can confirm earlier findings and allows for a safe and precise diagnosis.
60–90 Minuten
Fit für den Alltag
Nach 10 Tagen
Pflaster- und Fadenentfernung nach 7 Tagen
Ambulant
Common Questions About Polysomnography
What happens during polysomnography?
Several body functions are recorded, such as brain waves, breathing, heart rate, muscle activity, eye movements, and oxygen levels. This makes it possible to analyze sleep stages and identify interruptions like breathing pauses or unusual movements.
Which conditions can be diagnosed in a sleep lab?
A wide range of disorders and diseases can be detected, including:
- Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing with oxygen drops)
- Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- Restless legs syndrome
- Parasomnias such as sleepwalking, nightmares, or teeth grinding
- Sleep-related epilepsy and other neurological conditions
How long do you stay in a sleep lab?
You usually spend just one night in the lab. This is sufficient to record the necessary data. Only in rare cases is a second night required if results are unclear.
Is it hard to sleep during polysomnography?
You sleep one night in the lab while electrodes and sensors measure your values. These devices are designed to disturb sleep as little as possible, and most patients fall asleep without problems after a short adjustment. A few hours of sleep are already enough for reliable results.
When is polysomnography recommended?
It is advised when the cause of sleep problems cannot be identified through interviews, sleep diaries, or simple tests, especially if there is suspicion of a serious disorder:
- Breathing pauses: repeated interruptions may indicate sleep apnea.
- Uncontrolled movements: twitching of the limbs may point to restless legs syndrome or sleep-related epilepsy.
- Unusual nighttime behavior: sleepwalking, intense nightmares, or teeth grinding can all be revealed.
- Trouble falling or staying asleep: if other therapies fail, polysomnography may uncover the cause.
- Unexplained daytime sleepiness: if exhaustion persists despite enough sleep, a lab test may be needed.
While occasional bad nights are often harmless, untreated sleep disorders significantly raise the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart attack. The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made, the easier it is to counteract problems and protect your health and quality of life.
The Polysomnography Process
The study begins with an initial consultation in which our doctors discuss your symptoms, medical history, and expectations, and answer any questions. We explain the procedure in detail and adjust the measuring devices for personalized recording. On the day of the study, you arrive in the evening, bringing your usual sleep items such as pajamas and a toothbrush, so you can prepare for bed as at home. You will stay overnight in a private, comfortable room.
Before sleep, electrodes and sensors are attached to record brain waves, breathing, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, muscle tension, movements, and eye activity. The procedure is painless. While the equipment may feel unusual at first, it has little effect on sleep.
In the morning, the sensors are removed and you can return to your day. Our specialists then carefully analyze the data, which usually takes a few days. Afterward, we discuss the results with you and recommend possible treatments to relieve your symptoms effectively.
Accurate Diagnosis With the Gold Standard of Sleep Medicine
A sleep lab study captures all relevant body functions and is considered the most comprehensive diagnostic tool for sleep disorders. Polysomnography reveals sleep apnea and many other conditions with precision, providing a reliable diagnosis that forms the basis for successful treatment.
Do you struggle with sleep problems? Let us find the cause together. Book your appointment today and look forward to finally sleeping restfully again.
Team of Experts
PD Dr. med. Marie-An Carstensen De Letter
Specialist in Neurology FMH / Neurophysiology / Sleep Medicine
Besire Morina
COO Sleep lab
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