21 March 2019 What is a polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory)? A polygraph sleep record is a study aimed at finding out more about the structure of a person's sleep and the occurrence of changes that might interfere with its normal course. To this end, various physiological parameters are recorded during sleep, including: Respiratory parameters; Cardiac parameters; Neurological parameters; Body position; Movements of limbs. The choice of physiological parameters to be assessed will depend on each individual’s specific complaints. As it is carried out at the patient’s home , this study is called an outpatient polygraph sleep record. An outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) basically consists of the recording of cardiac and respiratory parameters during sleep, at night, in the home. What does an outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) involve? The person being tested will attend the hospital to collect the equipment and to learn and prepare for the study, which will be carried out at their home. Preparation at the hospital includes the application of electrodes and sensors that are connected to recording devices and placed on specific parts of the body. These allow the transmission and recording of cardiac and respiratory parameters during normal sleep. These parameters include: Heart rate and rhythm; Respiratory frequency and rhythm; Changes in airflow; Respiratory effort; Level of oxygen in the blood; Body position; Snoring. The next day, the patient returns the equipment to the hospital. The recordings are analysed by the doctor , who will assess the behavioural pattern of the various parameters during sleep. In this way, cardiorespiratory disorders may be detected that justify the identified complaints. In what situations does the outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) take place? It is always for the doctor to decide whether there is a need for a particular test, depending on the individual characteristics of each person and their complaints or illness. As a general rule, it may be advisable to conduct a outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) in order to assess: Snoring; Stoppages of breathing during sleep (apnoea); Sleepiness in the daytime; Waking up in the night. It may also be indicated in people who are overweight and have high blood pressure. How long does an outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) take to carry out? The outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) is recorded over one night of normal sleep ; as such it lasts for the entire duration of the night. The application of the sensors and the installation of the necessary equipment, together with its removal at the end of the test, takes about 15 minutes. What are the limitations of an outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory)? As with any other test, an outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) may not lead to a diagnosis. Thus, even when the examination is carried out in a technically appropriate manner, the use of other sleep study techniques may be necessary. Are there any side effects, risks or complications associated with outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory)? Outpatient polygraph sleep record (cardiorespiratory) has no side effects, risks or complications. Despite the presence of electrodes and sensors and the connections to the recording equipment, this test is generally well tolerated and does not interfere with normal sleep. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, you can find pulmonologists who specialise in sleep illnesses who can carry out the examinations you require. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
