What type of artifact is commonly caused by patient movement during a sleep study?

The type of artifact commonly caused by patient movement during a sleep study is best identified as a movement artifact. This type of artifact occurs when the patient shifts their position, which can disrupt the signals being recorded by the various monitoring devices used in polysomnography. Movement artifacts can manifest as abrupt changes or irregular patterns in waveforms, making it difficult to accurately assess physiological parameters such as brain activity, heart rate, or respiratory patterns.

Understanding movement artifacts is crucial for sleep technicians, as distinguishing them from true physiological changes is essential for proper interpretation of the data collected during a sleep study. Addressing patient movement—through positioning, instruction on remaining still, or using devices that minimize the impact of movement—can help improve the quality of the study and lead to more accurate diagnoses.