Sleep studies
A sleep study is used to investigate
- snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea
- abnormalities in the control of breathing
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- unexplained nocturnal waking
- monitoring ventilatory support.
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Picture of a child having sleep study |
Sleep studies or polysomnography involve the continuous measurement of physiological parameters related to sleep and breathing. These include oronasal air flow, oximetry, TcCO2 and/or exp CO2, respiratory and abdominal effort, EEG (electroencephalogram), EOG (electrooculogram), EMG (electromyogram), and ECG (electrocardiogram). Information regarding sleep architecture and quality, and ventilation and respiratory patterns, is obtained.
A sleep study is performed as an outpatient procedure, with the child (and parent/caregiver) coming to the unit at 7:30pm and leaving the next morning.
Inpatient studies can be performed at the Royal Children's Hospital using a portable polysomnography system. Please contact Dr. Margot Davey if an inpatient study is required.
Patients must be seen by a sleep physician before a sleep study can be ordered.
A home oximetry service is also offered by the MCSU as part of the assessment of children with obstructive sleep apnoea.