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Polysomnography - Results

Alternative Names

Sleep study; Polysomnogram; Rapid eye movement studies; Split night polysomnography; PSG

Normal Values:

A sleep study keeps track of:

  • How often you stop breathing for at least 10 seconds (called apnea)
  • How often your breathing is partly blocked for 10 seconds (called hypopnea)

Results are most often reported using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). An AHI of less than 5 is considered normal.

A normal test result also shows normal patterns of brain waves and muscle movements during sleep.

What abnormal results mean:

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) results are used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.

  • 5 - 15 is mild sleep apnea
  • 15 - 30 is moderate sleep apnea
  • More than 30 is severe sleep apnea

The sleep specialist must also look at other findings from the sleep study, as well as the medical history and physical exam to make the diagnosis and decide on treatment. A sleep study can also help diagnose narcolepsy.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/31/2011
  • Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Skomro RP, Gjevre J, Reid J, et al. Outcomes of home-based diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Chest. 2010;138:257-263.

Tice JA. Portable devices used for home testing in obstructive sleep apnea. California Technology Assessment Forum. March 11, 2009. Accessed June 9, 2010.

Collop NA, Anderson WM, Boehlecke B, et al. Clinical guidelines for the use of unattended portable monitors in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in adult patients. Portable Monitoring Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. J Clin Sleep Med. 2007;3:737-747.

Epstein LJ, Kristo D, Strollo PJ Jr. Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Clinical guideline for the evaluation, management, and long-term care of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. J Clin Sleep Med. 2009;5:263-276.

Cao M. Advances in narcolepsy. Med Clin N Am. 2010;94:541-555.

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