How Polysomnography (Sleep Study) Diagnoses Sleep Apnea
Introduction
If you snore loudly, wake up feeling tired, or struggle with daytime drowsiness, you might be suffering from sleep apnea—a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. One of the most effective tools for diagnosing this condition is polysomnography, commonly known as a sleep study.
In this blog, we’ll explain what a sleep study involves, when it's recommended, and how it helps guide accurate diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea in Kolkata.
What Is Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is a detailed overnight test that monitors your body’s functions while you sleep. It records:
Brain activity (EEG)
Eye movement
Heart rate
Breathing patterns
Blood oxygen levels
Muscle activity
Leg and body movements
The goal is to capture a full picture of how your body functions during different stages of sleep. This data helps your doctor identify abnormalities that might be causing sleep disturbances, especially those related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
When Is a Sleep Study Recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a sleep apnea test in Kolkata if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Loud, chronic snoring
Observed episodes of gasping or choking during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Morning headaches or dry mouth
Irritability or trouble concentrating
Difficulty staying asleep (frequent awakenings)
High blood pressure that doesn’t improve with treatment
If these issues persist, it’s a strong sign that your body isn’t getting the rest it needs due to sleep-disordered breathing.
How Does a Sleep Study Help Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
A sleep study is essential for confirming the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Here’s what it helps your sleep specialist assess:
Frequency of breathing pauses (apnea episodes) during the night
Drops in oxygen saturation—a major concern in OSA
Sleep stages and disruptions caused by apnea or hypopnea events
Heart rate variability and whether it's affected during breathing pauses
Movement-related arousals that may disturb sleep quality
Based on the results, your pulmonologist can classify your OSA as mild, moderate, or severe, which is crucial for choosing the right treatment—whether that’s CPAP therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle changes, or in rare cases, surgery.
What to Expect During a Sleep Study
Understanding the process beforehand can help you feel more at ease. Here's what typically happens during a sleep study in Kolkata:
Before the Study
You’ll receive instructions on how to prepare, including avoiding caffeine or alcohol.
Bring your nightwear and personal items as you would for a night away from home.
During the Study
You’ll stay overnight in a comfortable, private sleep lab room.
Technicians will attach painless sensors to your scalp, face, chest, and legs using medical adhesive.
A nasal cannula and chest bands will monitor breathing and airflow.
A video camera and microphone may be used to observe sleep movements and sounds.
Throughout the Night
A trained technician will monitor your sleep from a nearby room.
They can make real-time adjustments if needed (e.g., initiating CPAP therapy mid-study if events are severe).
Morning After
Sensors are removed, and you can resume daily activities.
Your results will be analyzed and shared during a follow-up consultation.
Sleep study setup or a patient undergoing a sleep test
Benefits of Getting a Sleep Study
Accurate diagnosis of sleep apnea and related disorders
Objective data to understand sleep quality
Informed treatment planning based on apnea severity
Detection of other conditions like periodic limb movement disorder or REM behavior disorder
For anyone unsure about why they wake up tired or feel drowsy throughout the day, a sleep study can offer answers and solutions.
Why Choose Dr. Ayush Goel for a Sleep Study in Kolkata?
Dr. Ayush Goel is a trusted sleep apnea specialist in Kolkata, known for his patient-focused care and expertise in pulmonary and sleep medicine. His clinic offers:
Advanced polysomnography facilities
Modern diagnostic technology
Comfortable sleep lab environment
Personalized care and counseling
Treatment for OSA, snoring, and related disorders
Dr. Goel ensures that patients not only receive an accurate diagnosis but also get a comprehensive treatment plan to restore healthy, restful sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q) What is the cost of a sleep study in Kolkata?
A) The cost can vary depending on the clinic and type of testing (full-night, split-night, or home-based). You can consult Dr. Ayush Goel’s clinic for transparent pricing and consultation options.
Q) Is a sleep study painful?
A) No. The sensors are non-invasive and applied with medical adhesive. While sleeping in a lab may feel different, the test itself is painless and safe.
Q) Can I do a sleep study at home?
A) Yes, in some cases, a home sleep test may be recommended. However, for more accurate and detailed results, an in-lab polysomnography is often preferred.
Q) What happens after the sleep study?
A) Your sleep data will be analyzed by a specialist. Based on the findings, you may be prescribed CPAP, oral devices, or advised lifestyle changes for effective OSA treatment.
Q) Is sleep apnea dangerous if left untreated?
A) Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory issues, and even motor vehicle accidents due to drowsiness.
Final Tips Before You Go
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because people assume snoring or fatigue is normal. But if you're constantly tired, snore heavily, or wake up gasping, a sleep study in Kolkata may be your first step toward better health.
Book your sleep consultation with Dr. Ayush Goel, and take charge of your breathing and rest today.
