Sleep Medicine and Organizations

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the AASM scoring manual?

To ensure consistency and accuracy in sleep study interpretations (correct)

To provide certification for sleep technologists

To focus on the education and professional development of sleep technologists

To set standards for sleep medicine

What is the certification provided by the BRPT?

AAST

AASM

RPSGT (correct)

PSG

What is the typical measurement unit for paper speed in polysomnography?

in/sec

cm/sec

mm/sec (correct)

km/h

What is the purpose of the MSLT sleep study?

To measure sleep latency Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the CPAP Titration sleep study?

To determine the optimal pressure needed to keep airways open Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the AAST?

To focus on the education and professional development of sleep technologists Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the test performed at home to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea?

HSAT Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 10/20 system in sleep studies?

To place EEG electrodes on the scalp Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Bio Cals in sleep studies?

To ensure proper functioning of equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical frequency range of alpha waves in sleep?

8-13 Hz Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?

To measure a person's general level of daytime sleepiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of an epoch in PSG scoring?

30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is REM latency?

The time from sleep onset to the first epoch of REM sleep Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of proper documentation in sleep studies?

To ensure accurate and detailed recording of patient information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Berlin Questionnaire?

To identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of capnograph and CO2 monitoring in pediatrics studies?

To assess ventilation and respiratory effort in children Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

AASM Scoring Manual

Provides standardized criteria for scoring sleep stages and events in polysomnography (PSG) to ensure consistency and accuracy in sleep study interpretations.

Professional Sleep Organizations

BRPT (Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists): Provides RPSGT (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist) examination, a certification for sleep technologists.
AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine): Sets standards for sleep medicine, accredits sleep centers, and provides guidelines for sleep study scoring.
AAST (American Association of Sleep Technologists): Focuses on education and professional development of sleep technologists.

Paper Speed

Refers to the speed at which paper (or digital equivalent) moves through polysomnograph machine, typically measured in mm/sec.
Common speeds are 10 mm/sec or 30 mm/sec.

Types of Sleep Studies

PSG (Polysomnography): Comprehensive diagnostic tool for sleep disorders that records brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Titration: Used to determine optimal pressure needed to keep airways open in patients with sleep apnea.
MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test): Measures how quickly a person falls asleep in a quiet environment during the day, consisting of 5 naps.
MWT (Maintenance of Wakefulness Test): Assesses ability to stay awake in a conducive environment, consisting of 4 trials.
HSAT (Home Sleep Apnea Test): Simplified test performed at home to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.

10/20 System

Measurement method used to place EEG electrodes on scalp based on relative distances between landmarks on the head.
Sites include Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, P4, O1, O2, etc.

Sleep Hygiene

Practices that promote regular, restful sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine and electronics before bed.

Sleep Assessment Tools

Berlin Questionnaire: Identifies patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea based on categories like snoring, fatigue, and hypertension.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale: Measures a person's general level of daytime sleepiness on a scale from 0 to 24.

Bio Cals (Biological Calibrations)

Performed before and after a sleep study to ensure proper functioning of equipment.
Exercises include eye movements, muscle tone changes, and breathing exercises to verify sensors are accurately recording physiological signals.

Frequency of Sleep Waves

Alpha: 8-13 Hz, associated with relaxed wakefulness.
Beta: 13-30 Hz, associated with active wakefulness and alertness.
Theta: 4-7 Hz, seen in light sleep stages (N1 and N2).
Delta: 0.5-4 Hz, seen in deep sleep (N3).
Sleep Spindles: 11-16 Hz, brief bursts of activity seen in stage N2 sleep.
K Complex: Sharp negative wave followed by a positive component, seen in stage N2 sleep.

Epoch

Typically 30 seconds in PSG scoring.

Stages of Sleep

N1: Light sleep, slow eye movements, theta waves.
N2: Deeper sleep, sleep spindles, and K complexes.
N3: Deep sleep, delta waves.
REM (Rapid Eye Movement): Active brain patterns, rapid eye movements, and muscle atonia.

REM Latency

Time from sleep onset to the first epoch of REM sleep, typically 90-120 minutes.

Pediatrics Studies

Capnograph, CO2 Monitoring: Measures end-tidal CO2 to assess ventilation and respiratory effort in children during sleep studies.

Proper Documentation

Accurate and detailed recording of patient information, study parameters, and observations during a sleep study, following legal and ethical guidelines.