Explanation

A polysomnography is a sleep test - doctors use them to find out everything that happens while you are asleep!

'Poly' means many, 'somno' means dream and 'graphy' means recording. So, it just means that doctors can record lots of things while you sleep.

Why do I need one?

If your doctor thinks you have a sleeping problem, like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), he or she can use a polysomnography to find out for sure.

Normally, your body breathes automatically, but if you have OSA, the muscles in your throat relax and your airways get blocked while you are asleep. This means that not enough oxygen gets delivered to your brain, so your brain then has to wake up and tell your body to breathe in! You don't get enough deep sleep to refresh your body and brain properly, so, during the day, you may feel tired, start forgetting things, get headaches or become grumpy more often.

What happens before I have it?

You shouldn't take any medicine to help you sleep or drink any coffee or tea before you have your polysomnography. You should also try not to have energy drinks and bars.

How is it done?

You go to a special sleep centre to have a polysomnography. You must make sure that you get there 2 hours before you normally go to bed. When you get there, you will just lie down on a comfy bed in a nice room to have the test . Think of it as going to a fancy hotel for a night!

A doctor or a nurse will attach special sensitive pads called electrodes to your eyelids, chin and head, and connect monitors to your chest to record your breathing and heart rate while you sleep.

When you fall asleep, a doctor or a nurse will watch over you and record all the times when you stop breathing during the night. A video camera might be used to film you throughout the night, too. Your parents or adults who are taking care of you can usually stay the night in the room next door, so don't feel alone!

Will it hurt?

No. Polysomnography doesn't hurt at all.

What happens next?

After your night in the sleep centre, you can go home. Your doctor will tell you if you have any sleep problems and how best to treat them.

If you have OSA, you may need to wear a special mask that helps you breathe when you are asleep. Don't worry though, these are very easy and comfortable to use.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people about polysomnography in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.