Which device is typically used to measure heart rate during a polysomnography study?

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the device typically used to measure heart rate during a polysomnography study. In polysomnography, accurate monitoring of physiological parameters is essential, and the ECG provides continuous and reliable data regarding the heart's electrical activity. This allows for precise assessment of heart rate changes in relation to sleep stages and other physiological events during the study.

The ECG records the electrical signals from the heart, enabling the identification of various heart rhythms and any potential abnormalities. This information is crucial for understanding how sleep affects cardiovascular health and for diagnosing sleep-related issues that may impact heart function.

While other devices like the pulse oximeter can also provide valuable information regarding heart rate, particularly through the measurement of blood oxygen levels and peripheral circulation, it is primarily the ECG that offers the comprehensive data needed for a detailed evaluation of heart activity during sleep.