Sleep testing

Nocturnal respiration polygraph
(or polysomnography)

Where and who conducts the nocturnal respiratory polygraph test?

The recorded data is interpreted by Doctor Fatima Maria ALMEIDA, qualified pneumology specialist, trained in the study and treatment of sleep related disorders. Ex-Paris Hospital Intern, Ex Assistant Clinic Head (notably at the Pneumology service of the HEGP), Doctor ALMEIDA was also part-time Hospital Physician at the Robert Ballanger Hospital, Aulnay-sous-Bois until April 2017. The polygraph recording equipment is placed and removed by the medical-technical and nursing staff (nurse, specialised technician or care assistant) of the Functional Testing Service.

What is a nocturnal respiration polygraph?

A nocturnal respiratory polygraph involves the recording of respiratory parameters and heart-rate during the night. In most cases this can determine whether a patient has sleep apnoea syndrome.

The nocturnal respiratory polygraph procedure in detail

This procedure required the fitting of a data recording system (sensors connected to an electronic device) that you will wear during a night’s sleep. It takes about 20 minutes to fit and 5 minutes to remove. This apparatus needs to be fitted at the Functional Testing Service. It is recommended that you refrain from using two wheel vehicles or public transport when you come to the hospital. You should wear light close-fitting clothes which do not cover the neck (T-shirt for example) which you wear during the night and bring warm clothing that you can put on over this.

The sensors vary depending on the apparatus. They usually involve two belts or straps, one across the chest and one across the abdomen, which record respiratory movements. A sensor is placed at the base of the neck to record the sound of breathing and any snoring. A sensor is placed on the index finger to record blood oxygen levels. And finally a sensor with two nasal fittings records the flow of air in and out of the nose. You will sleep at your home under as normal sleeping conditions as possible. The next morning you will return to the service where a member of the nursing staff will remove the apparatus. The contents of the device’s solid state memory will then be transferred to the data processing terminal with which the doctor will use special software to interpret the data collected during the night. The results will be presented as figures and graphs in the final report.

What precautions are necessary during the procedure?

The following will be required:
– that you do not take a shower or bath with the sensors in place;
– that you go to bed at your usual time and do not drink any alcohol;
– that you complete a questionnaire about how you slept during the test night.

What kind of information and benefits can be obtained from a nocturnal respiratory polygraph?

Apnoea is a respiratory interruption which lasts more than 10 seconds. An apnoea/hypopnoea index of ten, which means there are more than 10 apnoea/hypopnoea incidents per hour, confirms a sleep apnoea syndrome diagnosis. Acute sleep apnoea syndrome, more than 30 apnoea/hypopnoea incidents per hour, will require continuous positive pressure treatment. This treatment and, how it is implemented will depend on a number of factors; this will be assessed along with you by the sleep specialist. You may be required to undergo other functional respiratory tests and/or a pneumology consultation depending on the results of this procedure.

Continuous positive pressure remains the most commonly used treatment for sleep apnoea syndrome. Less severe forms involving snoring require a clearance of the upper airway.:

– upper airway clearing surgery,
– prosthetics to broaden the nasal valve, advance the lower jaw,
– reduction of excess body weight,
– treatment for endocrine disorders

When will you get your results?

It may take 24 hours to a week before the results are handed over to you by the service’s reception. If the test results require, the doctor who will sign the results may communicate the main points of the results directly to your GP by telephone. In certain cases (patients resident outside of the Paris region or unable to travel) the results can be sent by post to your postal address or your GP.

Warning, the nocturnal respiratory polygraph can only be completed by a doctor or qualified technician, it is illegal for such procedures to be completed by any other service provider even when delegated to do so by a doctor, the results will not be reliable.