What is the primary purpose of performing capnography during a sleep study?

The primary purpose of performing capnography during a sleep study is to assess ventilatory status. Capnography measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled air, providing critical information about a patient's ventilation. This is particularly important in sleep studies, as many patients experience changes in their breathing patterns during sleep, such as apnea or hypopnea events, which can lead to altered CO2 levels.

By monitoring capnography, technologists can detect hypoventilation (reduced breathing efficiency) or hyperventilation (increased breathing), both of which can significantly impact a patient's overall health. Understanding the ventilatory status helps in diagnosing various conditions, including sleep-related breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea. Consequently, capturing these CO2 levels helps in evaluating the effectiveness of respiratory efforts during different stages of sleep.