How is 60-Hz artifact identified in polysomnography recordings?

Identifying 60-Hz artifact in polysomnography recordings is primarily associated with recognizing high frequency signals appearing in the data. This artifact is typically caused by electrical interference from devices operating at a frequency of 60 Hz, which is common in North America due to the standard electrical power supply.

When this type of artifact is present, it manifests as repetitive, high-frequency oscillations superimposed on the normal EEG signal, making it distinctly noticeable when analyzing the recording. Clinicians and technologists trained in polysomnography are particularly vigilant about these high-frequency signals, as they can interfere with the interpretation of sleep stages and overall sleep architecture.

Recognizing high-frequency signals as a distinct pattern helps differentiate these artifacts from the genuine physiological activity recorded during polysomnography, enabling more accurate diagnosis and patient assessment.