Alternatively new signal for sleep staging processing in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Photoplethysmography signal

Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is done by expert doctors by examining biological signals which is obtain from the patient help of polysomnography device. Review, consists of two stages which are sleep staging and respiratory scoring. Sleep staging is done using Electroencephalogram, Electromyogram and Electrooculogram signals. Derivation of signal format gives discomfort to the patient. In order to connect the electrodes to the patient, there is a need expert technicians. In addition, the system is not suitable for use at home. When considering all these disadvantages, practical system is needed to make sleep staging. In this study, Photoplethysmography signal use will be suggested for alternative to the signals used in sleep staging process. Photoplethysmography signal can measure through the skin of any part of the body with noninvasive method. In the study, the characteristic features of Photoplethysmography signals were analyzed whether it is distinctive for sleep and wake statistically by means of Mann-Whitney U Test. According to the results obtained p <; 0.05 and all properties are meaningful for sleep-wake. All features can be used as distinctive for the sleep-wakefulness are considered and also a practical sleep staging system be realized using Photoplethysmography signal.