Pitfalls of Split-Night Polysomnography

Abstract

Sleep disordered breathing is a common problem.1 At least 10% of the population suffers from sleep disorders, and they are often related to other disorders, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and depression. Polysomnograms (PSG) a real important tool for diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, patient access to complete diagnostic polysomnography followed by a second titration study may be limited due to costs. One alternative to a two study sequence is to use split-night polysomnography which includes both a diagnostic phase and positive pressure titration phase if obstructive sleep apnea is present during a single night study. 3 We present two cases for whom splitnight polysomnography was used for diagnosis and treatment of the sleep apnea.