Polysomnography a Gold Standard in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder marked by repeated airway obstruction during sleep. PSG is a comprehensive overnight study that records multiple physiological parameters, including brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and oxygen saturation. This data helps identify apneas and hypopneas and calculate the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which determines the severity of OSA. PSG not only confirms the diagnosis but also assesses sleep architecture and detects other coexisting sleep disorders. While highly accurate, PSG can be expensive and may cause discomfort due to multiple sensors. Despite this, its detailed analysis makes it essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in patients with complex symptoms or comorbid conditions.