Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to identify recommendations for the investigation of individuals in sleep laboratories, as made in guidelines prepared by professional bodies; and to review the nature, quality and relevance of the evidence cited in support of these recommendations.

Authors' recommendations: The reviewed guidelines contain detailed information for health professionals. Many recommendations are supported by studies on sleep laboratory applications. The evidence for some applications is of limited quality and the cited studies are not always directly relevant to the recommendations made. Several recommendations reflect consensus positions and no evidence is cited in support. Evidence of relatively good quality was provided for the use of sleep laboratory examinations in obstructive sleep apnea, though recommendations on this application differed. Evidence supporting recommendations on sleep laboratory testing in relation to sudden infant death syndrome, insomnia; and depression and insomnia is also of reasonable quality and relevance. Further good quality studies of many sleep laboratory applications are needed.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/publications/pdf/183_sleeplabs_tr_e.pdf

Year Published: 2005

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)