Which medical professional typically interprets the results of a polysomnography study?

The interpretation of the results of a polysomnography study is typically conducted by a sleep specialist, who possesses specific expertise in sleep disorders and the nuances of sleep architecture, breathing patterns, and other physiological events that are recorded during the study. Sleep specialists are trained to accurately assess the data collected during polysomnography, which includes various metrics such as brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and muscle activity throughout the night. Their specialized knowledge allows them to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep-related disorders effectively.

This expertise is crucial because polysomnography results can be complex and require a deep understanding of both normal sleep patterns and the indicators of sleep pathology. While primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals may have a general understanding of sleep issues, sleep specialists are the most qualified to provide a detailed analysis and create an appropriate treatment plan based on the findings.