Polysomnography test (PSG)
Being one of the first sleep physicians trained in depth and accredited in the UK, Dr Coker provides the highest quality testing and safest treatments available for sleeping disorders. Sleep is such an important part of our lives, and we at The Coker Chest Clinic aim to help our patients achieve healthy sleeping patterns through individually prescribed treatments.
We specialise in sleep testing and can carry out a gold standard diagnostic sleep test called Polysomnography (PSG) test to aid investigations into sleep disorders. The sleep study is performed in the comfort of the patient’s own home to encourage accurate results.
What is a polysomnography (PSG) test?
A PSG test measures the body’s functions during sleep in order to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, insomnia and periodic limb movement disorder. Some clinics carry out PSG testing in a specialised room at a centre over the course of one night or are using (often inadequate) isolated oximetry testing. However, we offer two-night home-based multiple channels studies, as this provides more accurate, true-to-life data.
In preparation for a PSG test, the patient should refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeine, or taking sleeping pills, in the 24 hours prior to testing as this can impact results. The patient will carry out their normal sleeping routine with the addition of sensors secured to the body.
These sensors record:
- Breathing pattern
- Respiratory effort
- Snoring
- Heart rate
- Body position during the test, identifying restless sleep
- Blood oxygen levels
Once the patient has woken up, the sensors can be removed and they can go about their day as normal.
What is the purpose of a polysomnography test?
The purpose of a PSG test is to collect information about a patient’s sleeping patterns in order to identify sleeping disorders and what is causing them.
If a patient is having trouble sleeping, they may be recommended to undergo a PSG test by a specialist.
Signs and symptoms of common sleeping problems are:
- Ongoing snoring
- Trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night
- Gasping for air or choking episodes called sleep apnoea
- Sleepiness during the day
- Excessive daytime tiredness
- Poor concentration and memory problems
- Sleepwalking
- Insomnia (inability to fall asleep quickly or waking up at night unable to go back to sleep again)
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- Restless leg syndrome
The information collected from a PSG test is cross-examined with the patient’s medical history to determine the cause of the sleeping problem. Dr Coker may need to run additional tests to gather more evidence to establish a diagnosis.
What’s different about The Coker Chest Clinic?
The Coker Chest Clinic utilises the highest quality sleep testing equipment for PSG tests, and this equipment is licensed for use at the patient’s home for both accurate results and maximum comfort.
In line with our comprehensive approach to testing and diagnoses, we perform thorough examinations in addition to PSG tests.