HealthSeptember 6, 2026

polysomnography

pah-lee-sahm-NAH-gruh-fee

Definition

A comprehensive sleep study used to monitor and record various physiological body functions, such as brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and breathing, while a patient is asleep to diagnose sleep disorders.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'polys' (many), 'somnus' (sleep), and 'graphein' (to write), combining these roots to describe a process that records many different activities occurring during sleep.

In the news

In the article, polysomnography is described as the formal diagnostic test used by doctors to monitor body functions during sleep and confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea.

Sleeping 8-10 hours but still feeling sleepy? Doctor explains 5 signs that could mean sleep apnea

Read the full article ↗

News9live

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