2024 Position Statement on the Use of Different Diagnostic Methods for Sleep Disorders in Adults - Brazilian Sleep Association

Sleep Sci. 2024 Dec 17;17(4):e476-e492. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1800887. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction The current document represents the official position of Associação Brasileira do Sono (ABS; Brazilian Sleep Association) on the application of different sleep studies and provides specific recommendations for the use of different types of polysomnography (PSG) and respiratory polygraphy. Materials and Methods The present document was based on existing guidelines. The steering committee discussed its findings and developed recommendations and contraindications, which were refined in discussions with the advisory committee. Adaptations were made based on professional experience, pathophysiological knowledge, and theoretical reasoning, especially to cover topics not discussed in previous guidelines or to adapt recommendations to the context and current practices in Brazil. Results A total of 55 recommendations were made, covering the following domains: professional requirements for the requisition and interpretation of sleep studies ( n = 7); eligibility for different sleep studies ( n = 9); diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB; n = 5); diagnosis of SDB in special conditions ( n = 3); diagnosis of SDB in association with other sleep disorders and comorbidities ( n = 3); sleep studies on the follow-up of patients with SDB ( n = 9); sleep studies for positive air pressure titration ( n = 3); diagnosis of other sleep disorders ( n = 10); and sleep studies on other conditions ( n = 6). Conclusion The selection of the type of sleep study should be made carefully, considering resource constraints, clinical suspicion of moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and individual patient needs, among other factors. It is crucial that health professionals receive appropriate training and board certification in sleep science, thus being able to determine the most suitable diagnostic method, understand their indications and limitations, and assure an accurate diagnosis for each patient.

Keywords: diagnosis; guidelines; polysomnogram; polysomnography; sleep apnea.

Grants and funding

Funding Source The authors declare that the present work was supported by funds from Associação Brasileira do Sono (ABS, the Brazilian Sleep Association). GNP is supported by Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa (AFIP), São Paulo, Brazil.