What does polysomnography measure during a sleep study?

Polysomnography is a comprehensive test that records various physiological parameters during sleep to assess sleep disorders. The correct answer highlights that it specifically measures brain waves and breathing.

During a sleep study, polysomnography captures brain activity through EEG (electroencephalography), which allows clinicians to understand the different sleep stages. Additionally, it measures breathing patterns and airflow, which are crucial for diagnosing sleep apnea and other respiratory sleep disorders. Monitoring these two parameters helps create a detailed picture of a person's sleep quality and any potential issues affecting it.

Other options focus on isolated aspects of the body's functioning. For example, while body temperature and heart rate may be related to sleep studies, they are not primary measurements taken during polysomnography. Similarly, measuring muscle activity and sleep talk, while interesting, does not encompass the broader scope of what polysomnography aims to evaluate, which is primarily centered around brain activity and breathing patterns.