What does a "sleep study" typically involve in relation to EEG?

A sleep study, particularly in relation to EEG, primarily focuses on monitoring brain activity during various sleep stages. This involves placing electrodes on the scalp to detect electrical signals produced by brain activity as the individual transitions through different sleep phases. The EEG records patterns associated with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, non-REM sleep, and wakefulness, which can provide valuable insights into sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or other sleep-related issues.

This type of monitoring is crucial for understanding how well a person is sleeping and how their brain functions while asleep. It helps clinicians determine the nature and extent of any sleep disturbances and contributes to developing treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

While other aspects, such as assessing brain structure, evaluating cognitive function, and measuring blood oxygen levels, may be relevant to overall health assessments, they do not specifically pertain to the primary goals of a sleep study focused on EEG.