During polysomnography, what is typically monitored alongside brain activity?

Muscle tone is typically monitored alongside brain activity during polysomnography because it provides essential information about the different sleep stages and muscle activity during sleep. Polysomnography is a comprehensive test used to assess sleep disorders, and it measures brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and muscle activity. Muscle tone is particularly relevant when differentiating between REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. In REM sleep, muscle tone is significantly reduced, which is a normal physiological response that prevents individuals from acting out dreams. Monitoring muscle tone allows practitioners to identify changes that might suggest pathological conditions such as REM sleep behavior disorder.

In contrast, glucose levels, body temperature, and vision changes are not routinely monitored during a standard polysomnographic study, as they do not provide direct insights into sleep architecture or disorders specific to sleep stages. Therefore, the observation of muscle tone in conjunction with brain activity is vital for accurate interpretation of sleep states and overall sleep health.