Feasibility of unattended in-home polysomnography in trauma-exposed Veterans with chronic nightmares.

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of unattended home polysomnography (hPSG) in trauma-exposed U.S. Veterans with chronic nightmares (N = 47). Of the scheduled studies, 41 (87.2%) were completed. Twenty-four (58.5%) tests were successful based on all pre-specified criteria. Twenty-nine (71%) had ≥4 hours of interpretable EEG. No baseline differences were found between Veterans with and without successful hPSGs. Regarding acceptability, sleep quality was rated significantly worse on the night with hPSG compared to a night without. This study observed that unattended hPSG is partially feasible and acceptable in a group of trauma-exposed Veterans; however, failure was common. Characteristics of trauma-exposed samples, such as increased sweating and sleep movements, may have contributed to these results. Tools designed to be applied independently and to endure these factors should be considered.