The Basics about Sleep Scoring

Sleep Scoring is a process (analysis of Sleep Studies) which looks into the activities of the body during sleep. The process, involved in such studies, is also known as polysomnography. Scoring Sleep Study is one of the newest branches in medical science. It has been only 4 decades since Allen Rechtshaffen and Anthony Kales standardized the method in which Sleep Scoring should be done. However, it has to be agreed that the subsequent advances in technology have had a huge effect on Scoring Sleep Studies and shaped it into what it is now.

There are primarily 2 types into which Sleep Study can be classified. While Automatic Sleep Study Scoring makes the process completely dependent on the machines with minimum or no manual intervention, Manual Sleep Study Scoring still relies on the participation of Sleep Experts in the process. Although the former is faster and low in cost, it is still widely regarded that Manual Sleep Study Scoring produces more accurate results. Sleep Scoring Outsourcing has emerged as a way to tackle the relatively higher cost of Manual Sleep Study Scoring.

The upgrading of the technologies, associated with Sleep Scoring, has played a pivotal role in determining the path which Sleep Scoring took. Projections, made in ink and paper, have been replaced with projections on computer screens and monitors. High level equipment is used to get results faster and in a convenient manner. However, the majority, of the revered group of Sleep Specialists, believe that no amount of automation can completely take away the human element from Sleep Study Scoring.

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.    

Why is Sleep Study Important?

Sleep Study is an important field for determining the latest in Sleep Disorders. With the establishment of the relation between sleep and health, the necessity, of continuously finding better ways of diagnosing sleep related problems, has increased. Sleep Study Scoring achieves this very goal.

As the technologies related to Sleep Study improve, newer methods are being found to increase the efficiency of the diagnosis processes. However, in spite of the manifold increase in the efficiency of the machines, the human element is still considered an important requirement in the processes of Sleep Study. Hence, Manual Sleep Scoring is still the gold standard. When sleep technicians are present in the process, the required adjustments can be made and the readings considered more in relevance to the individual sleep behavior of the person. This individualization is what cannot be achieved in automatic Sleep Scoring.

One vital reason, why some patients, with sleep disorders, still like to go for automatic Sleep Scoring, is that it costs lesser than Manual Sleep Scoring. However, the prices can be easily be tackled by using Sleep Scoring Outsourcing services. India has come up as an important location for outsourcing sleep scoring services. The same top services and accuracy are provided at costs which are much lesser than what the patients would have paid in their respective countries. This cost efficiency has turned India into a major hub for Sleep Scoring Outsourcing.

Dr. Himanshu Garg, of Sleep Scoring Solutions, Gurgaon, says, “We still follow the practice of Manual Sleep Scoring. The patterns in sleep cannot be accurately studied with the same standards for everyone. Trained sleep technicians and Sleep Study experts are always best suited to make the best possible readings, thereby leading to accurate diagnosis and faster solutions.”  Outsourcing Sleep Study Scoring to India is thus a very popular method of getting excellent Sleep Scoring Services at the best prices in the world.