Why is selecting sampling rates according to recommended guidelines important?

Selecting sampling rates according to recommended guidelines is crucial primarily to minimize the aliasing effect. Aliasing occurs when a signal is sampled at a rate that is insufficient to capture its full characteristics, leading to a distortion in the recorded data. According to the Nyquist theorem, the sampling rate should be at least twice the highest frequency present in the signal to accurately represent it without introducing errors.

In polysomnography, where precise measurements of brain waves, muscle activity, and other critical physiological signals are essential for diagnosis and treatment, maintaining an adequate sampling rate is vital. Failure to adhere to recommended guidelines can result in loss of critical information, adversely affecting patient diagnosis and care.

While other factors such as equipment costs, patient comfort, and signal calibration can be important in the overall context of polysomnography, they do not directly relate to the technical necessity of preventing aliasing. Aliasing can severely impact the integrity of the recorded signal, making it the most significant reason for adhering to established sampling rate guidelines.