What is the most effective way to eliminate artifact in a polysomnography study?

Eliminating artifact in a polysomnography study is crucial for obtaining accurate data regarding a patient's sleep patterns and physiological responses. Addressing artifacts at their source, such as by replacing affected leads, is the most effective approach. By directly correcting the problem, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the interference that distorts the signals being recorded. This ensures that the data reflects the patient's true physiological state rather than the distortions caused by faulty equipment or poor electrode contact.

Increasing the machine's sensitivity may allow for the detection of weaker signals but can also amplify unwanted noise, potentially worsening the artifact issue. Changing the recording speed could alter the representation of the data but does not inherently fix the underlying cause of the artifact. Similarly, using different settings on the equipment might adjust how data is processed but will not resolve the artifacts stemming from problematic original signals. Thus, focusing on resolving the issue at the source through lead replacement is the most effective strategy for ensuring high-quality polysomnographic recordings.