What is the primary purpose of polysomnography?

The primary purpose of polysomnography is to diagnose and monitor sleep disorders. This comprehensive sleep study records various physiological parameters during sleep, including brain activity (through EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate, and respiratory patterns. These measurements provide valuable insights into sleep architecture and any abnormalities that may indicate specific sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome.

While monitoring sleep quality is a part of the data gathered during polysomnography, it is not the sole purpose. The study's focus is more on diagnosing specific conditions based on the physiological data collected. Prescribing sleep medications and measuring cognitive function during sleep are not directly related to polysomnography, as these activities fall outside the diagnostic role of the sleep study itself.