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What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Narcolepsy

The Polysomnogram narcolepsy test

For any sleep study, it would be required of you to sleep in a lab overnight. This might be in a hospital or medical clinic. For a polysomnogram, electrodes will be placed on your scalp, chin, and outer eyelids. These electrodes will let the polysomnogram measure signals when you fall asleep. They can also help detect REM sleep.

The test will also involve breathing and heart monitors to help observe your heart rate and respiration. You’ll have a sleep technician monitor you throughout the trial.

The polysomnogram will look for brain signals that indicate narcolepsy. These signals might include:

  • Rapid falling into REM sleep
  • Waking up in between
  • Reduced sleep efficiency

This test can also be used for other conditions such as sleep apnea.