Sleep: One of the Pillars of Our Well-being

Sleep is one of the cornerstones of our well-being, yet for over 13 million Italians, restful sleep remains a distant dream. Sleep disorders, which affect more than one in four Italians, are not just a source of daily discomfort but can also pose serious health risks. Despite the prevalence of these issues, many people avoid consulting a specialist, underestimating the importance of an accurate diagnosis.

One of the most important diagnostic tools is polysomnography, a test that provides a detailed analysis of our nightly rest, helping identify issues such as sleep apnea, respiratory sleep disorders, and snoring. But what exactly is polysomnography, when is it necessary, and how is it performed?

What is Polysomnography?

Polysomnography is a non-invasive examination that records and monitors various physiological parameters during the night, offering a comprehensive view of cardiovascular and neurological activity. The data collected includes:

• Respiratory activity to detect breathing difficulties, such as interruptions or irregularities.
• Blood oxygen levels to identify possible oxygen deficiencies.
• Body and leg movements to detect conditions like restless leg syndrome.
• Cardiac activity to monitor heart behavior during sleep.
• Sleep cycle to assess the duration and quality of different sleep stages.

Thanks to this information, polysomnography accurately identifies sleep-related problems and helps guide physicians in determining the most appropriate treatment.

When Should You Undergo Polysomnography?

Not everyone with insomnia or who snores needs polysomnography, but there are symptoms that should never be ignored:

• Persistent, intense snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing (apneas).
• Excessive daytime sleepiness that interferes with daily activities.
• Chronic fatigue, even after an apparent full night’s sleep.
• Frequent awakenings with a choking sensation.
• Morning headaches and difficulty concentrating.
• Suspected restless leg syndrome or other involuntary movements during sleep.

If one or more of these symptoms are present, consulting a specialist is the first step toward improving your quality of life.

How is Polysomnography Performed?

The test is typically conducted in two ways:

1. In a sleep lab: The patient spends a night in a healthcare facility equipped with sensors to monitor physiological parameters. This method provides a more comprehensive and assisted evaluation.
2. At home: Portable devices allow the test to be performed comfortably at home. This option is ideal for those who prefer a familiar environment or for less complex cases.

In both methods, monitoring includes tools such as:

• A chest and abdominal belt to detect respiratory movements.
• A pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen levels.
• A nasal cannula to record airflow.
• A snoring sensor to identify sound vibrations.
• A position sensor to track body movements.
• Electrodes placed on the scalp to analyze brain activity and sleep stages.

This completely non-invasive test gathers detailed data, which is later analyzed by a specialist to provide an accurate and personalized diagnosis.

Why is it Important Not to Ignore Sleep Disorders?

Poor sleep is not just an annoyance; it can lead to serious consequences:

• Cardiovascular diseases: Sleep apnea increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.
• Diabetes and obesity: Insufficient or fragmented sleep is linked to metabolic deterioration.
• Impaired cognitive performance: Memory, concentration, and mood can be severely affected.

Conclusion

Investigating sleep disorders is never a waste of time. Polysomnography is a key tool for identifying hidden problems and significantly improving quality of life. If signs of disturbed sleep are present, consulting a specialist and undergoing this test can make the difference between a life of fatigue and truly restorative rest.

Sleeping well is living better. Let’s not underestimate it!

At MiniHospital, we offer a COMPREHENSIVE SLEEP DISORDER PROGRAM featuring various approaches and equipment, including polysomnography, all in a comfortable environment with the assistance of qualified specialists. Book your appointment now!