What is the significance of monitoring oxygen saturation in polysomnography?

Monitoring oxygen saturation during polysomnography is crucial for identifying respiratory disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnea and hypoventilation. These conditions can lead to intermittent drops in oxygen levels during sleep, which can significantly affect a patient's overall health and well-being. By tracking oxygen saturation levels, sleep technologists can evaluate the severity of respiratory events, understand their impact on the patient's sleep quality, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

In the context of sleep studies, this monitoring helps clinicians recognize specific patterns associated with respiratory issues. Oxygen desaturation events often correlate with arousals from sleep and changes in sleep architecture, making the assessment of oxygen levels a key factor in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders. Accurate identification and quantification of these disturbances are essential for effective management and intervention strategies in patients with sleep disorders.