What psychological tests are used to diagnose sleep disorders?

Polysomnography (PSG): PSG is the most comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders. It involves recording multiple physiological signals, including brain activity (electroencephalography or EEG), eye movements (electrooculography or EOG), muscle activity (electromyography or EMG), breathing patterns, heart rate, and blood pressure. PSG is typically performed in a sleep laboratory, where individuals sleep overnight while being monitored by a trained technician.

Actigraphy: Actigraphy involves wearing a small device, called an actigraph, on the wrist or ankle, which records movement patterns over time. Actigraphy can provide information about sleep-wake patterns, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and fragmentation. It can be helpful in diagnosing insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and other sleep disorders characterized by disrupted sleep-wake patterns.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): The MSLT is used to assess daytime sleepiness and is often performed in conjunction with PSG. During the MSLT, individuals are asked to take multiple short naps throughout the day, typically every 2 hours, and the time it takes them to fall asleep (sleep latency) is measured. A short sleep latency indicates excessive daytime sleepiness, which can be a symptom of narcolepsy or other sleep disorders.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS): The ESS is a self-report questionnaire that assesses subjective daytime sleepiness. Individuals are asked to rate their likelihood of falling asleep in various situations, such as reading, watching TV, sitting quietly, and driving. The ESS is often used as a screening tool to identify individuals who may have excessive daytime sleepiness and may need further evaluation.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): The PSQI is a self-report questionnaire that assesses sleep quality over the past month. It includes questions about sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and subjective sleep quality. The PSQI can be helpful in diagnosing insomnia and other sleep disorders.