Module Topics
The Online Self-Study Modules consist of a series of interactive learning components, each of which is followed by a brief set of post-test questions. Most modules take approximately 45 – 60 minutes to complete. Individuals have access to the modules for three years from the date of account registration. Trainees may freely review and reference the content as they prepare for a sleep technologist certification exam (e.g., RPSGT/CPSGT).
Modules include the following topics:
1. Welcome to Sleep Technology
This FREE MODULE provides a discussion of the scope and practice of sleep technology and a review of pathways to professional recognition. Overview of clinical conditions that may lead to a sleep study. Overview of the sleep study procedure. Overview of training required to become a sleep technologist. Role of ASTEP in this training.
2. The Patient Chart
A review of the elements of the patient chart with a focus on key information needed by sleep technologists. HIPAA. Paper charts vs EMR. Overview of different protocols. Include NP/PA providers in the discussion.
3. Meet the Patient
Methods for greeting the patient and answers to questions patients frequently ask. Remedies for common issues, including troubles falling asleep and anxiety in the sleep center.
4. Infection Control in the Sleep Center
Review of Universal and Standard Precautions, disinfection and hand washing. A discussion of procedures for patients exhibiting signs/symptoms of infectious illness, body fluid exposure, evidence of lice and bedbugs.
5. Basics of Electrode Application: EEG and EOG
EEG and EOG: A discussion of the standardized placement of electrodes for monitoring activity from the brain and the eyes.
6. Basics of Electrode Application: Respiratory and EMG Monitoring
Respiratory and EMG: Methods for transducing air flow and effort to monitor breathing during sleep and limb muscle activity from the chin and legs during sleep including ECG lead placement.
7. Basics of Sleep Recordings
A discussion of the origin of the EEG, recording montages and how to discriminate signals from artifact. Troubleshooting artifacts. Expand the section on filtering, provide examples. Discuss changing the amplitude of a signal.
8. Respiratory Monitoring
Basic respiratory physiology and methods for monitoring key aspects of breathing. Including a discussion of transcutaneous/end-tidal CO2 monitoring.
9. Sleep Study Protocols
Standard methods for recording sleep, protocols and the AASM publications that support their use. Discussion of coding and HSATs.
10. Normal Sleep
Basic sleep physiology including effects of sleep deprivation, influence of circadian rhythms on sleep and a brief introduction to the neurophysiology of sleep.
11. Breathing during Sleep
A discussion of the effects of sleep on breathing and how changes at sleep onset increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
12. Sleep Center Emergencies
Common sleep center emergencies defined and a review of appropriate responses. Move ECG monitoring to lead placement.
13. Scoring Workshop – Waveforms
Recognizing the building blocks for sleep scoring with a focus on EEG activity and eye movements.
14. Scoring Workshop – Sleep Stages
A review of the rules for scoring sleep stages including examples that illustrate the scoring rules.
15. Scoring Workshop – Respiratory Events
Distinguishing apneas, hypopneas and Respiratory Effort Related Arousals from normal breathing during sleep.
16. Scoring Workshop – Arousals, EEG Abnormalities, Movements and Cardiac Events
An overview of rules for scoring of non-respiratory events during sleep.
17. Insomnia and Hypersomnia
A discussion of insomnia types and the three-process theory of insomnia as well as an introduction to narcolepsy and other hypersomnias.
18. Circadian Rhythm and Movement Disorders
An overview of the effects of phase and entrainment on the circadian distribution of sleep and a review of Restless Legs Syndrome and movements during sleep.
19. Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
Review the causes and consequences of obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing disorders during sleep.
20. PAP for SRBD
A discussion of the variety of methods for delivering positive airway pressure and an assessment of oral appliance and surgical therapies for OSA. Shorten the section on BPAP therapy and limit it to therapy of OSA only.
21. Non-PAP Therapies for the Treatment of OSA
Discussion of oral appliances, methods of oral appliance titration, and airway stimulators. Presentation of interventions in the treatment of OSA.
22. Administration and Titration of Oxygen
A discussion of the physiologic basics of and indications for oxygen administration.
23. Parasomnias and Nocturnal Epilepsies
Review of parasomnias arising from stage R sleep and from other sleep stages and the difficulties of distinguishing parasomnias from nocturnal epilepsies
24. Pediatric Breathing Disorders
A discussion of sleep related breathing disorders in children, including scoring criteria and preferred treatments
25. Other Pediatric Sleep Disorders
A review of behavioral insomnias, bedwetting and other sleep disorders common in children
26. Home Sleep Apnea Test
A discussion of the technology and protocols for the clinical use of a home sleep apnea test