So you have been advised by your GP or Specialist that your child needs a sleep study? I am here to clear up a few questions which may help you in this process.
What is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study, also known as polysomnography (PSG), is a diagnostic test that measures and records many bodily functions during sleep to diagnose sleep disorders. The study monitors brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, blood oxygen saturation, body position, and snoring.
There are many types of sleep studies which have varying levels of accuracy and quality. The best quality study is performed in a sleep lab supervised by a sleep technician. Others can be performed at home.
The sleep study can diagnose sleep apnoea and how severe it is. It is also useful in diagnosing other sleep disorders.
Why do we as ENT surgeons request it?
A sleep study is less commonly requested in children than in adults.
However, it may be considered in children if they are less than 2 years old, have severe obstructive symptoms/signs or have significant medical history which put them at risk of sleep apnoea including syndromes.
They can be also considered on parental request or if there is uncertainty based on history and examination of sleep apnoea. If surgery has been performed and symptoms persist, it can also be used to determine if there is any residual sleep apnoea.
What does it tell us as an ENT Surgeon?
A sleep study is able to tell an ENT surgeon the following;
If sleep apnoea is severe it also helps planning of surgery in Paediatric centres where surgery is safer and recovery can be monitored more closely with greater expertise.
Dr. Peter Floros acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and work across Australia; we pay our respects to the elders, past, present and emerging. We encourage our staff and clients to join us wherever they are in Australia by being informed about whose land they are on and paying their respects.
