Diagnostic polysomnography
Sleep is an essential pillar of our health and well-being. However, despite seemingly full nights, sometimes sleep is not restorative. If you wake up tired, irritated or feeling like you haven't had enough sleep, it may be time to consult a sleep specialist.
What is non-restorative sleep?
Non-restorative sleep is a sleep disorder in which the quality of sleep is insufficient to restore the body's physical and mental functions despite getting enough sleep. This may be due to frequent sleep interruptions, disorders of the biological clock or respiratory disorders, such as sleep apnoea.
What is Diagnostic Polysomnography?
Diagnostic polysomnography is a comprehensive sleep study performed to diagnose sleep disorders. It measures and records various bodily functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen levels and leg muscle movements.
Why have a Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is essential for diagnosing a wide range of sleep disorders.
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Sleep apnoea: temporary interruption of breathing during sleep.
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Restless legs syndrome: an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially at night.
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Narcolepsy: excessive sleepiness during the day with sudden episodes of sleep.
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Parasomnia: abnormal behaviour during sleep, such as sleepwalking.
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Insomnia: difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep.
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Chronic fatigue: a persistent feeling of tiredness that does not go away despite adequate sleep.
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Non-restorative sleep: the feeling of not being rested after a night's sleep.
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Circadian rhythm disorders: misalignment between the individual's internal sleep-wake cycle and the external environment, causing difficulty in falling asleep or waking up.
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Shallow sleep: difficulty in achieving deep, restorative sleep, resulting in frequent awakenings and a feeling of tiredness on waking.
Common symptoms of sleep apnoea
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Intense snoring: often interrupted by pauses in breathing followed by gasping or suffocation.
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Excessive daytime sleepiness: a feeling of intense tiredness during the day, even after a full night's sleep.
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Frequent awakenings: sudden awakenings with a feeling of suffocation or choking.
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Morning headaches: frequent headaches on waking.
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Difficulty concentrating: memory problems, difficulty concentrating or completing everyday tasks.
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Irritability and mood changes: increased irritability, anxiety or depression.
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Decreased libido: reduced interest in sexual activities.
Common signs of insomnia
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Difficulty falling asleep: taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep.
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Frequent awakenings: waking up several times during the night.
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Early awakening: waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep.
Common symptoms of chronic fatigue
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Persistent fatigue: constant tiredness that does not improve with rest.
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Muscle and joint pain: pain with no apparent cause.
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Frequent headaches: frequent headaches or migraine.
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Sleep disorders: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, unrefreshing sleep.
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Memory and concentration problems: difficulty concentrating, memory lapses.
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Excessive daytime sleepiness: constant need to sleep during the day.
Common signs of circadian rhythm disorders
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Misalignment of the sleep-wake cycle: difficulty falling asleep and waking up at conventional times.
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Insomnia and daytime sleepiness: difficulty staying awake or sleeping outside normal hours.
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Performance and concentration difficulties: problems with memory or concentration and reduced performance during waking hours.
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Excessive fatigue: feeling intensely tired during the day despite getting enough sleep.
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Depression and irritability: mood disorders due to constant disruption of the sleep-wake cycle.
Who should have a Polysomnography?
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Those who experience symptoms such as intense snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive fatigue during the day, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
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Those who experience persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep.
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Those with a history of sleep disorders or conditions predisposing to sleep disorders such as obesity, hypertension or heart disease.
How is a Polysomnography performed?
1. Preparation :
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The patient arrives at the sleep clinic in the evening.
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A technician positions sensors on the scalp, face, chest and legs to record the various bodily functions.
2. During the exam:
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The patient sleeps in a quiet, comfortable room.
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Sensors record data throughout the night.
3. After the exam:
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The sensors are removed at 06:00 in the morning, and the patient can go home.
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The data recorded is analysed by a sleep specialist to establish a diagnosis.
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You will be invited to a consultation to discuss the results and treatment.
The benefits of sleep therapy by a somnologist
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Accurate diagnosis: clearly identifies sleep disorders, enabling targeted treatment.
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Improved quality of life: appropriate treatment improves sleep quality and, consequently, overall quality of life.
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Reduced cardiovascular risk: treating sleep disorders can reduce the risk of serious illnesses, such as heart disease and hypertension.
Potential diagnoses using Polysomnography
Polysomnography can help diagnose various sleep disorders.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): characterised by repeated pauses in breathing due to obstruction of the airways.
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Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): caused by a failure of the brain to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing.
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Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS): reduced airflow leading to unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness.
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Restless legs syndrome (RLS): an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
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Narcolepsy: excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of uncontrollable sleep.
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Parasomnia: abnormal behaviour during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors and violent behaviour during sleep.
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Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD): involuntary movements of the legs and sometimes arms during sleep.
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Insomnia: difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early.
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Non-restorative sleep: the feeling of not being rested after a night's sleep, often associated with other sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea.
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Circadian rhythm disorders: misalignment between the internal sleep-wake cycle and the external environment, causing difficulty in falling asleep or waking up.
Treatment for sleep apnoea: CPAP
For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most common and effective treatment is the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a device that delivers a constant and regular flow of air through a mask worn during sleep, helping to keep the airways open.
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Suppression of apnoea (pauses in breathing): reduces apnoea episodes and improves breathing during sleep.
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Eliminates snoring as soon as the machine is installed.
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Improved sleep quality: reduces frequent awakenings, resulting in deeper, more restful sleep.
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Reduced daytime sleepiness: improves alertness and reduces fatigue during the day.
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Improved overall health: reduces the risk of complications associated with sleep apnoea, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
The somnological approach
We offer an integrated and personalised approach to treating non-restorative sleep. Our sleep experts work with you to identify the underlying causes of your sleep problems and develop a tailored treatment plan. This may include:
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Comprehensive sleep-wake assessment: using questionnaires, sleep diaries and polysomnography to analyse the quality of your sleep.
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Cognitive-behavioural therapies: to improve sleep-related habits and behaviours.
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Management of respiratory disorders: using solutions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treating sleep apnoea and more.
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Readjustment of circadian rhythms: using chronotherapy or light therapy techniques.
Sleep hygiene
In addition to our specialist care, adopting good sleep hygiene is essential to improving the quality of your sleep. Here are a few practical tips.
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Stick to a regular sleep schedule: try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even at weekends.
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Create a sleep-friendly environment: make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and at a pleasant temperature.
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Avoid screens before bedtime: the blue light from screens can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
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Exercise regularly: regular physical activity can help you sleep more soundly, but avoid strenuous exercise before bedtime.
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Avoid stimulants: stay away from caffeine and nicotine, especially at the end of the day.
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Practise relaxation techniques: practise meditation, yoga or reading to prepare your body and mind for sleep.
How do I make an appointment with somnologist Dr. Vasiliu at the sleep clinic in Malmedy, Liège?
To schedule a diagnostic polysomnography, please contact us on 080 79 31 58 or visit the website for more information.
Contact details :
Centre Hospitalier Reine Astrid in Malmedy
Rue Devant les Religieuses Nr 2
4960 Malmedy
Phone : 080.79.31.58
Website : https://www.chram.be