The use of esophageal manometry in the diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders.

Esophageal manometry is a technique used to detect abnormal sleep-related respiratory events. One method used to measure and score esophageal pressure during sleep is described. The contraindications for esophageal manometry, the methods for scoring esophageal pressure, the use of esophageal manometry as the "gold standard", and directions for future research are discussed.