For a patient with a sleep-related breathing disorder, what is the most appropriate way to evaluate them?

To evaluate a patient with a sleep-related breathing disorder, a Full Night Polysomnography (PSG) is the most appropriate choice. This comprehensive study records various physiological parameters throughout the entire night of sleep, such as brain activity (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate (ECG), oxygen saturation, airflow, and respiratory effort.

A Full Night PSG allows for a thorough assessment of sleep architecture and can identify various sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and other forms of hypoventilation. This detailed information is crucial for establishing an accurate diagnosis and determining the severity of the disorder.

In contrast, a Split Night PSG would typically be employed if significant apnea or hypopnea events are detected during the first half of the night, allowing for immediate initiation of treatment, usually with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). While this could be appropriate under certain conditions, it does not provide the comprehensive evaluation necessary for an initial assessment.

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) are designed to assess different aspects of sleep and alertness, usually following the diagnosis of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy