Diagnostics methods for sleep disorders Métodos diagnósticos nos distúrbios do sono

The aim of this manuscript is to describe the procedures, recommendations, findings and value of the diagnostic methods used in sleep disorders, including questionnaires, actigraphy, polysomnography and the multiple sleep latency test. Specific questionnaires, including those evaluating sleep quality, hypersomnolence, respiratory sleep disorders and sleep-wake cycle are generally used to screen for sleep disorders and as indicators for inclusion in sleep studies. Polysomnography and the multiple sleep latency test are considered the gold standard methods for the diagnosis of most sleep disorders and of narcolepsy, respectively. Criteria for these disorders are reported herein.