What does a sleep diary help patients track for polysomnography?

A sleep diary is a crucial tool for patients preparing for a polysomnography study as it helps track their sleep patterns and disturbances. By consistently recording the times they go to bed, how long it takes to fall asleep, the number of awakenings during the night, and the time they wake up, patients provide valuable insights into their sleep architecture and overall sleep quality. This information aids sleep specialists in understanding the patient's typical sleep behavior, identifying any abnormal patterns, and developing appropriate treatment plans.

While tracking diet and exercise habits, medication usage, and medical appointments can be beneficial for overall health management, these elements do not directly contribute to understanding the nuances of a patient's sleep, making sleep patterns and disturbances the primary focus of a sleep diary.