Sleep technicians perform tests on sleeping patients.
A sleep technician is a specialist trained in clinical sleep studies who works directly with patients and operates diagnostic testing equipment. He or she helps psychologists and doctors interpret study results and determine whether patients suffer from various types of disorders, such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea. A professional may also be responsible for administrative tasks such as making appointments and ordering new supplies. Most technicians are employed by certified polysomnography centers and research universities.
Sleep technicians can test sleeping positions against the subject’s rest after waking up.
Polysomnography centers use a variety of sophisticated tools and techniques to monitor brain activity, eye movement, and vital signs while patients sleep. It is the responsibility of the sleep technician to ensure that the equipment is kept in good working order at all times. As you prepare for a study, a technician checks and calibrates the electrodes, polysomnography machines, remote controls, and computer readouts. If something isn’t working right, he can make basic repairs or tell managers about the problem.
Sleep technicians help diagnose conditions like sleep apnea.
When meeting with a new patient, a sleep technician provides a basic overview of the study to be performed. Conduct an interview and record information about the patient’s age, health status, medications, and previous sleep problems. The technician can then connect the electrodes and make sure the patient is ready to start the test. During the exam, while the person sleeps, the technician constantly monitors the computer data and takes notes.
If a person is having difficulty staying awake at work, there may be a medical issue causing sleep disruptions and a visit with a technician should be scheduled.
After a test, the sleep technician prints the results and completes the necessary paperwork so the patient can leave. He reviews the data to make sure it is accurate with the expected results and presents the findings to the supervising sleep director. Many technicians are experienced enough to interpret the results accurately, and managers may assign them the responsibility of completing basic studies independently.
Requirements to become a sleep technician vary by region and employer. In the United States, most sleep centers require applicants to complete accredited one-year polysomnography training programs at community colleges or specialized training centers. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and several similar organizations around the world provide certification to students who complete the programs and pass the written exams. A new sleep coach can expect to spend at least six months in an on-the-job training course that involves shadowing experienced workers and performing basic tasks.
With continued experience, a successful sleep technician can become a sleep technologist or director. In an advanced position, the worker is primarily engaged in interpreting study results and researching new techniques and equipment. Some seasoned professionals become instructors at polysomnography schools or seek clinical psychology jobs in different settings.