Polygraphy

Polygraphy is a painless sleep test prescribed by a specialist physician or sleep disorder practitioner. It can be performed in hospital or directly at home. Its purpose is to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing, and in particular sleep apnea, the most common sleep disorder.

A respiratory polygraph is one of a number of examinations performed in the event of sleep disorders. It is sometimes called ventilatory polygraphy, sleep polygraphy or nocturnal polygraphy. Two other tests used to diagnose sleep problems are nocturnal pulse oximetry and polysomnography.

The polygraph is very similar to a Holter used to measure arterial hypertension over one or more days. In fact, the portable nocturnal ventilatory polygraph measures nocturnal respiratory movements. It also measures blood oxygen levels and heart rate. In most cases, patients are fitted with the device and take it home with them. In this way, he can record a typical night's sleep in his usual environment. This avoids the disruption caused by a night spent in hospital, which can interfere with a good night's sleep.

Polygraphy is often preferred to polysomnography, which is also used to diagnose sleep apnea. Sleep polygraphy is much cheaper and easier to perform. In addition to the lower cost of ventilatory polygraphy, polysomnography requires hospitalization. Its purpose is to evaluate neurophysiological and cardiorespiratory variables during sleep, but in a hospital setting.

The doctor may suspect sleep apnea if a patient presents the following symptoms:

• loud snoring;

• phases during which he stops breathing during sleep (reported by a close relative);

• shortness of breath during sleep;

• dry mouth on waking;

• headaches in the morning;

• insomnia during the night;

• excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), concentration disorders;

• irritability.

Nocturnal ventilatory polygraphy is the reference examination for the diagnosis of obstructive or central sleep apnea syndrome.

Yet beyond daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea also has an impact on general health. It can cause cardiovascular, metabolic, neurocognitive and respiratory problems. It is associated with an increased risk of cancer and road accidents.

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