Polysomnography technologists help diagnose and treat sleep disorders by organizing and monitoring sleep studies, evaluating results, and providing patient care. They must have good bedside manner and be CPR certified. Education in electroneurodiagnosis, nursing, or respiratory therapy is required, with additional on-the-job training and certification available through professional organizations.
A polysomnography technologist works with individuals who have diagnosed or suspected sleep disorders. Primarily, this type of technician helps organize sleep studies, including preparing a patient for the study and monitoring the diagnostic mechanism during the test. These professionals are also responsible for the well-being of their patients throughout the study.
Typically, a polysomnogram is the main diagnostic tool of any sleep study. The results of this type of study usually consist of a series of readings from more than 20 electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp, face, and limbs. Each electrode is responsible for identifying activity in the area of the brain or body to which it is connected while the patient sleeps. It is the responsibility of the polysomnography technologist to evaluate the results to find irregular readings that may point to the cause of the patient’s sleep problems.
Often, however, the work of a polysomnography technologist begins before the first electrode is connected. Although painless, the idea of trying to sleep in an unfamiliar location while attached to a bundle of wires can be irritating for many patients. Often, the job of reassuring the patient falls on the technician’s shoulders. A reassuring tone and good bedside posture are imperative.
In addition to monitoring the equipment, a polysomnography technician is also responsible for patient care during the sleep study. It is not uncommon for a sleep study to uncover serious medical conditions. Irregular heartbeats and interrupted breathing, for example, are complications of certain sleep disorders that must be treated immediately. Rarely, patients have gone into cardiac arrest during the course of a sleep study. As such, sleep study technicians are generally required to be CPR certified.
The responsibilities of the polysomnography technologist do not end after the completion of the sleep study. A technician usually acts as a liaison between the patient and their primary physician. The technician is also usually instrumental in developing a treatment plan, including demonstrating prescribed equipment and providing educational materials for the patient.
As there are very few existing educational programs that teach polysomnography exclusively, technicians are usually graduates of electroneurodiagnosis, nursing, or respiratory therapy programs. Additional on-the-job training and continuing education are usually required for certification as a polysomnography technician. As of 2011, US accreditation has been available through the American Association of Sleep Technologists and the Council of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
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