Apneas – Definitions and Types | National Institute for Health

Sleep Technology Essentials – Digital Self-Study Component

MODULE 1: Introduction to Sleep Technology & the Role of the Technologist

Why Sleep Disorders Matter
Classification of Sleep Disorders
Role of the Sleep Technologist
Scope of Practice
Professional Ethics
Confidentiality & HIPAA Basics
Communication & Chain of Command
Workplace Conduct & Professionalism
Continuing Education & Credentialing
Module 1 Quiz

MODULE 2: Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders & Insomnia

Overview of Circadian Rhythm & Sleep Regulation
Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder
Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorders
Shift Work Disorder
Insomnia Disorder – Clinical Overview
Testing Tools Beyond PSG
Quiz

MODULE 3: Patient Intake, Chart Review & Clinical Documentation

Understanding the Physician Order
Reviewing the Patient Chart
Patient Intake Process
Pre-Study Preparation & Night-of-Study Workflow
Patient Safety & Comfort Considerations
Clinical Documentation Basics
Legal & Professional Considerations
Quiz

MODULE: 4 Infection Control & Patient Safety in the Sleep Lab

Infection Control in the Sleep Lab
Hand Hygiene & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Cleaning, Disinfection & Equipment Handling
Exposure Incidents & Emergency Procedures
Environmental Safety in the Sleep Lab
Patient Safety Protocols
Professional Responsibility & Safety Culture
Quiz

MODULE 5: Polysomnography Setup, Signals & Equipment Fundamentals

Overview of Polysomnography (PSG)
Physiologic Signals Monitored During PSG
PSG Equipment & Sensors
Signal Quality & Artifact Awareness (Introductory)
The Role of the Technologist During Data Acquisition
Equipment Care, Cleaning & Infection Control (PSG-Specific)
Quiz

MODULE 6: Pediatric Polysomnography (PSG) Fundamentals

Overview of Pediatric Polysomnography
Key Differences Between Adult and Pediatric PSG
Pediatric Physiologic Norms (Conceptual)
Pediatric Setup & Sensor Placement Considerations
Pediatric PSG Safety, Monitoring & Parent Involvement
Documentation Considerations in Pediatric PSG
Intro to Pediatric-Specific Artifacts
Quiz

MODULE 7: EEG 10–20 Measurement System & Electrode LOCATION for Sleep Studies

Module Scope
ELECTRODE PLACEMENT FOR SLEEP STUDIES
Option 1: Placement for EEG Electrodes in a Standard Sleep Study
Option 2: Placement for EEG Electrodes for Full EEG Hookup
Quiz
10/20 Hookup (8:09)

MODULE 8: Electrode Application & Impedance Checks

Method Of Electrode Application
Impedance measurement & troubleshooting
Quality assurance before lights out
Paste vs collodion (high-level)
Quiz

MODULE 9: ARTIFACT RECOGNITION AND TROUBLESHOOTING

Introduction to Artifacts
EEG Artifacts
EOG Artifacts
EMG Artifacts
ECG Artifacts
Respiratory Signal Artifacts
Environmental & Equipment Artifacts
Troubleshooting Strategies
Documentation of Artifacts
Quiz

MODULE 10: SLEEP STAGING

EEG WAVEFORMS
NREM / REM overview
Wake W
Sleep Architecture
Introduction to Sleep Staging Rules
Quiz

MODULE 11: Respiratory Event Recognition & Scoring Fundamentals

Overview of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Apneas – Definitions and Types
Hypopneas
Respiratory Effort-Related Arousals (RERAs)
Oxygen Desaturation & Respiratory Indices
Positional and REM-Related Respiratory Events
Quiz

MODULE 12: ABNORMAL EVENTS

Arousals
Abnormal EEG/ECG findings
Escalation & documentation
Quiz

MODULE 13: PAP Therapy & Titration Principles

Overview of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy
Types of PAP Therapy (CPAP, BiPAP, Auto, ASV – overview only)
PAP Titration Goals & Indications
Mask Selection & Proper Mask Fitting
PAP Titration Procedure
Supplemental Oxygen During PAP Titration
Special Considerations During PAP Titration
Determining Optimal Pressure
Emergency PAP Titration
Professional Scope & Responsibilities
Quiz

MODULE 14: Pediatric PAP Therapy and Titrations

Pediatric PAP Therapy Overview
Differences Between Adult and Pediatric Titration
Documentation & Provider Communication
Emergency Pediatric PAP Titration
Oxygen Use in Pediatric Patients
Quiz

Module 15 – Specialized Studies

Overview of Daytime Sleep Testing
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT / WMT)
MSLT vs MWT — Clinical Comparison
Documentation & Professional Boundaries
Quiz

MODULE 16: Parasomnias & REM Behavior Disorder

Overview of Parasomnias
Non-REM Parasomnias
REM Parasomnias
Safety Considerations in Parasomnia Studies
Documentation of Parasomnia Events
Parasomnias vs Other Conditions
Role of the Sleep Technologist
Quiz

MODULE 17: Narcolepsy & Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence (MSLT-Focused)

Overview of Hypersomnolence Disorders
Narcolepsy – Clinical Overview
Other Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence
Role of PSG in Hypersomnolence Evaluation
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) – Overview
MSLT Parameters & Observations
Technologist Role & Professional Boundaries
Quiz

MODULE 18: Home Sleep Apnea Testing

Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): Principles, Indications & Limitations
Types of Sleep Studies
Indications for HSAT
Contraindications & Limitations of HSAT
HSAT Data & Parameters
Role of the Sleep Technologist in HSAT
Documentation & Follow-Up Considerations in HSAT
Quiz

MODULE 19: PERFORMING OTHER TYPES OF SLEEP STUDIES

Split-night studies
CPAP/BiPAP retitrations
Multiple Sleep Latency Test
Oxygen Studies
Follow-up / repeat studies
Quiz

MODULE 20: ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

ECG Channel
Quiz

MODULE 21: HELPFUL STRATEGIES FOR SLEEP TECHNOLOGISTS

Pre-Shift Preparation and Workflow Planning
Helpful Strategies
A Final Word to Future Sleep Technologists

Videos

Screening Tools for Physicians (3:09)

Apneas – Definitions and Types

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