Why to Avoid Shortcuts in Sleep Study through Auto Scoring Tools?

Sleep Study Scoring is a vital part of Sleep Analysis. Among the 2 methods of Sleep Scoring, viz. Manual Sleep Study Scoring and Automatic Sleep Scoring, the former is believed to be better. Although auto scoring is faster and more convenient to implement, many experts recommend manual scoring for patients suffering from Sleep Disorder. This blog analyzes the reasons why manual scoring is preferred by most Sleep Doctors.

Sleep Study Scoring is a very new area in the field of Sleep Analysis. Sleep, in itself, is a complex activity which involves lot of biophysical and neurological activities. Each of these activities differs in intensity and frequency from individual to individual. The automatic process of Sleep Scoring follows a definite standard of comparison and does not take the individual differences into consideration. This often affects the accuracy of the results which in its turn can lead to wrong diagnosis. Thus, it is far better that the Manual Sleep Study Scoring is used. Another factor, which forces patients to use the auto scoring methods, is that they cost lesser as they use lesser man power. You can easily escape the higher prices through Sleep Scoring Outsourcing.

The manual techniques engage the services of experts who are present throughout the process of Sleep Scoring. They are provided with the complete knowledge of the patient’s lifestyle so that it can be taken into consideration while analyzing the readings. The presence of experts plays a vital role in increasing the accuracy of Manual Sleep Study Scoring. Thus, it is best to go for manual scoring to obtain accurate results and faster treatment.

What is Polysomnography (PSG) or Sleep Study?

Polysomnography is a Sleep Scoring technique or study of sleep, performed taking multiple parameters into consideration. The purpose of the test is to determine or eliminate the Sleep Disorders from which the subject maybe ailing. The procedure involves the recording of various biological and physiological changes which a person goes through while sleeping. The recordings are then subjected to comparison with the known Sleep Disorder readings to confirm or reject the possibilities.

The patient is called to the Sleep Clinic in the evening. After briefing him on the procedure, he is then wired up to the machines which start recording the various changes as soon as he falls asleep. The recordings are done through a minimum of 12 channels requiring at least 22 attachments. Some of the body functions, which are measured during the test, are brain activity, muscle activity, eye movements, heart rhythm, respiratory functions, etc. Once the test is over with the person waking, the most important parameters which are analyzed include sleep onset latency (time taken to fall asleep), sleep efficiency (the ratio between the amount of time spent on bed and the amount of sleep), sleep stages, breathing irregularities (if any), sleep interruptions, cardiac rhythm, leg movements, position of the body while sleeping, and oxygen saturation.

Although the entire procedure can be conducted without any human intervention, it is widely believed that for achieving high accuracy in results, the presence of Sleep Technicians and Sleep Experts is required. The procedure, where the experts are present, is called Manual Sleep Study Scoring.  

Sleep Cure Solution Pens out How to Sleep Better

Sleep Disorders are some of the most difficult-to-diagnose ailments in the medical world. Sleep Cure Solutions, Gurgaon, an internationally known Sleep Scoring and Sleep Disorder Treatment Center, states the guidelines that will help you get that peaceful and rejuvenating sleep which you deserve at the end of the day.

Stick to a Fixed Sleep Schedule

Fix a set time for going to sleep and waking up. Do not disrupt the biological clock of the body. Forming regular hours of sleep helps the body rest more as it learns to anticipate the repair hours. It is best if you can wake up without an alarm. If you find yourself unable to wake at the desired hour on your own, you may need to advance your sleeping hours.

Set the Right Light Exposure

In the days before electricity, the exposure of the body to light was at the optimal level. However, with the invention and use of modern devices like mobile phones, television, bulbs, etc., this balance has been thrown to the dogs. Attain the right balance by allowing as much as exposure to bright light during the day and avoiding it during the night. Do not use mobiles, computers or watch television right before bedtime.

Maintain Comfortable Sleeping Conditions

Make sure your bedroom is comfortable and free from noises and heat. Maintaining a comfortable environment also helps the body retire into sound sleep. Invest in an appropriate mattress and pillow.

Most of the sleep related problems can be solved by following simple procedures like the above. However, if the problems persist, you may be suffering from serious Sleep Disorders requiring advanced treatment and Sleep Scoring Services. You will need to consult a immediately as untreated have been known to create other medical complications, some of which are life threatening.

Sleep Scoring – Going Manual is the Way to Go Accurate

A debate is currently raging on regarding the best way of Sleep Scoring between Automatic Sleep Study and Manual Sleep Study Scoring. When the upgrade in technology allowed for the process to be automatized, a lot of Sleep Study Centers shifted to the automatic way since it meant the employment of lesser experts, leading to cost cutting.

Although the automatic process speeds up the process and also increases the convenience, nothing defeats the accuracy of Manual Sleep Study. It is only with the step by step monitoring of the process by experts that the final report can hit the high levels of accuracy. The primary reason for this is that the sleep behavioral patterns are always individualized and highly depends on personal traits like lifestyle, work, etc. In the Automatic Sleep Scoring processes, it is very difficult to adjust the system to maintain the relevancy to the required patient’s habits. The presence of an expert makes it possible that the lifestyle of the person is taken into consideration while making the readings.

The higher cost can easily be dealt with by Sleep Scoring Outsourcing. Countries like India have become a popular destination for Sleep Scoring Outsourcing. The same world class quality in analysis and facilities can be availed in India at fractions of the prices in the first world countries. The combination of recognized experts and state-of-the art facilities at amazing costs make Outsourcing Sleep Study Scoring to India a budding sector.       

Stages of Sleep Analyzed in Sleep Scoring

Sleep Scoring is the process which measures the various stages of sleep to determine the quality of sleep which the subject is getting. The brain’s activity can be traced in the form of various waves both in wakefulness and in sleep. We will take you through the various stages of sleep and the corresponding brain waves which are recorded as a part of Sleep Study Scoring.

Stage 1

The brain waves which are prominent while we are awake are Gamma, High Beta, Mid Beta, Alpha, Beta Sensory Motor Rhythm, and Theta. As we begin to enter the first stage of sleep, the brain waves, which can be measured are prominently, are Alpha and Theta. We go through Alpha when we are just beginning to fall asleep. This is one of the most soothing stages of sleep and is also experienced during meditation. The later part of the stage involves entering the Theta and lasts for 5-10 minutes.

Stage 2:

Stage 2 is characterized by sleep spindles, which are rhythmic in nature and is characterized with dropping body temperature and slowed down heart rate. This stage lasts for about 20 minutes.

Stage 3:

This is the stage when we move from light sleep to deep slumber. The brain waves which show during this stage are the Delta Waves.

Stage 4:

Stage 4 is the state of deep sleep. It lasts for around 30 minutes and is also known as Delta Sleep in the medical jargon due to the prominence seen in the emergence of Delta Waves.

Stage 5:

Stage 5 is the final stage of sleep process. It is signified with rapid eye movements and hence is also referred to as REM (Rapid Eye Movement). While the muscles are completely relaxed during this stage, there is a marked increase in brain activity. Most dreams occur during this stage of dreaming.

Although the above steps seem to denote a sequential shift from one stage to the other, it does not happen so necessarily. It is more of a cyclical affair. Sleep Study Scoring analyses the above stages and compares the actual sleep behavior of the subject against what is established as the standard. A stage-wise analysis is necessary to put the finger on the exact problems which may occur during sleep.