What does a Sleep Technician do?
Published 3 min read
A sleep technician is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Sleep technicians are often employed by sleep clinics or hospitals, and they may also work in private practice. They use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat sleep disorders, including sleep studies, polysomnography, and EEG.
Sleep Technician job duties include:
- Prepare patients for sleep studies by reviewing their medical histories and conducting initial interviews
- Operate and maintain sleep lab equipment, including polysomnographs, EEG machines, and respiratory monitors
- Perform overnight sleep studies on patients to assess sleep patterns and diagnose sleep disorders
- Score and interpret sleep study data to identify abnormalities and track patient progress
- Work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans for their sleep disorders
- Educate patients and their families about sleep hygiene and other lifestyle changes that can improve sleep quality
- Follow up with patients after treatment to monitor their progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
- Keep detailed records of patients’ sleep patterns, symptoms, and treatment progress
- Consult with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for patients with complex sleep disorders
Sleep Technician Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for sleep technicians, although most have at least an associate's degree. Certification is available through the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and experience is typically gained through on-the-job training.
Sleep Technician Skills
- Patience
- Communication
- Organization
- Observation
- Detail Oriented
- Flexibility
- Ability to Multi-task
- Computer Literate
- Calm under Pressure
- Problem Solver
- Empathetic
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How to become a Sleep Technician
A Sleep Technician is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Sleep Technicians are trained to perform sleep studies, which are used to diagnose sleep disorders and develop treatment plans. Sleep studies involve overnight stays in a sleep lab, during which the patient is monitored for sleep patterns, breathing, and other vital signs.
To become a Sleep Technician, one must first complete a accredited sleep technician program. These programs typically last between six and eight weeks, and include both classroom and clinical instruction. After completing a sleep technician program, candidates must then pass a national certification exam. Once certified, Sleep Technicians can find employment in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
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