Polysomnographic vs Home-Based Sleep Studies
| Polysomnography (PSG) | Ambulatory Devices | |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | Standardised | Non-standardised. Types 2, 3 and 4 devices vary in sophistication and data collection |
| Data collection | Maximal – includes EEG, EOG, EMG, EFT, respiratory effort, airflow changes, oxygen saturation, snoring, body position and leg movements | Varies – can be close to a PSG (Type 2) or as limited as collection of just airflow and oxygen saturation (Type 4). Centurion only uses Type 2 devices. |
| Technician | Guaranteed overnight technician attendance | No technician attendance |
| Data credibility |
More credible
|
Less credible
|
| Ability to detect sleep disorders | Able to detect all sleep disorders | Useful as screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea. Unable to detect most sleep disorders. For example, it is unable to detect periodic limb movement disorder as it does not monitor leg movements. |
| Portability of device | Not portable – study must be conducted in a sleep laboratory | Portable – study may be conducted in patient’s home |
| Contraindications | None (although patient mobility may be a consideration) |
Contraindications include (see American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines):
|
| Interpretation of results | Lower risk of misinterpretation |
Higher risk of misinterpretation (if using Type 3 or 4 devices) due to:
|