Home > Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders > Polysomnography

Definition

Polysomnography is a series of tests performed on patients while they sleep. Polysomnography is a comprehensive overnight procedure that evaluates sleep disorders. It generally includes monitoring of the patient's airflow through the nose and mouth, blood pressure, heartbeat as measured by an electrocardiograph, blood oxygen level, brain wave patterns, eye movements, and the movements of respiratory muscles and limbs. The word polysomnography is derived from the Greek root poly meaning "many," the Latin noun somnus meaning "sleep," and the Greek verb graphein meaning "to write."

Purpose