What is the primary purpose of a polysomnography study?

The primary purpose of a polysomnography study is to monitor sleep and diagnose sleep disorders. This comprehensive sleep study records various physiological parameters during sleep, including brain activity (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate, and respiratory patterns. By analyzing this data, healthcare professionals can identify sleep-related conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and other disorders that affect the quality and structure of sleep.

Other options, while they may involve monitoring or assessment, do not align with the main objectives of polysomnography. Cognitive function assessments are separate evaluations not conducted within a sleep study framework. Physical fitness levels are typically measured through exercise tests and not through sleep monitoring. Blood oxygen levels, while they can be recorded during polysomnography, are not the primary focus; rather, they are one aspect of the broader analysis of sleep patterns and disturbances. The comprehensive nature of polysomnography specifically targets sleep disorders, making it a vital tool for diagnosis and treatment planning in sleep medicine.