What is the purpose of using a pulse oximeter during a polysomnography study?

Using a pulse oximeter during a polysomnography study is primarily for monitoring arterial oxygen saturation throughout the sleep study. This non-invasive device measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen, providing critical information about the patient's respiratory function during sleep.

During a sleep study, it is essential to assess how well a patient is oxygenating while they sleep since conditions like obstructive sleep apnea can lead to significant drops in oxygen saturation. By tracking these levels, healthcare providers can identify desaturation episodes and correlate them with other parameters observed during the study, such as apnea events. Maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is vital for overall health, particularly during sleep, when respiratory patterns can change.

This data is key for diagnosing various sleep disorders and determining appropriate treatment, making the pulse oximeter an invaluable tool in the polysomnographic evaluation.