What is the purpose of scoring sleep stages in a PSG report?

The purpose of scoring sleep stages in a polysomnography (PSG) report is primarily to analyze sleep quality and diagnose sleep disorders. This involves categorizing the various phases of sleep, such as non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and REM sleep, which are crucial for understanding the patient's sleep architecture. By scoring these stages, healthcare professionals can identify abnormalities in the patient's sleep patterns, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or narcolepsy, which can lead to appropriate treatment options being recommended.

Tracking sleep stages goes beyond just measuring the total time a patient sleeps; it provides insights into the efficiency of their sleep, the proportion of time spent in different sleep stages, and any disturbances that may occur. Consequently, assessing sleep quality and diagnosing potential disorders allows clinicians to develop tailored interventions aimed at improving the patient's overall sleep health. This comprehensive evaluation is key in ensuring that patients receive proper care based on their specific sleep-related issues.