What is the primary goal of polysomnography?

The primary goal of polysomnography is to analyze sleep-related breathing disorders. This type of diagnostic test is specifically designed to assess various sleep disturbances, particularly sleep apnea and other conditions that affect breathing during sleep. By monitoring multiple parameters such as brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement, polysomnography provides comprehensive data that is essential for diagnosing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and other sleep-related breathing issues.

While assessing sleep quality is an important aspect of sleep studies, the detailed analysis of breathing patterns and identifying sleep-related disorders stands out as the primary focus of polysomnography. This analysis plays a crucial role in guiding treatment plans, which can significantly improve patients' health and overall quality of life. Immediate medical treatment and monitoring physical health over time are important but secondary goals, as polysomnography primarily functions as a diagnostic tool rather than a treatment mechanism or a long-term health monitor.