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A sleep technician operates diagnostic testing equipment to help diagnose sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea. They also maintain equipment, conduct patient interviews, and interpret study results. Training and certification requirements vary, and experienced technicians can advance to become technologists or directors.
A sleep technician is a trained clinical sleep study specialist who works directly with patients and operates diagnostic testing equipment. It helps psychologists and physicians 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.
Polysomnography centers use a variety of sophisticated tools and techniques to monitor brain activity, eye movement and vital signs while patients sleep. It is a sleep technician’s responsibility to ensure that the equipment is kept in good working order at all times. While preparing for a study, a technician checks and calibrates electrodes, polysomnography machines, remote controls, and computer readouts. If something is not working correctly, he can perform basic repairs or inform directors of the problem.
When meeting a new patient, a sleep technician provides a basic overview of the study to be performed. He or she conducts an interview and records information about the patient’s age, health condition, medications, and past sleep problems. The technician can then connect the electrodes and ensure the patient is ready for the test to begin. During the exam while the person is asleep, the technician constantly monitors data from the computer and takes notes.
After a test, the sleep technician prints out the results and fills out the necessary paperwork so the patient can leave. He or she scans the data to ensure it is accurate with the expected results and presents the findings to the director responsible for sleep oversight. Many technicians are experienced enough to interpret the results accurately, and directors may assign them the responsibility to complete basic studies independently.
Requirements to become a sleep technician vary between different regions and employers. In the United States, most sleep centers require applicants to complete one-year accredited polysomnography training programs at community colleges or specialized training facilities. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and several comparable organizations around the world provide certification for students who complete programs and pass written exams. A new sleep technician can expect to spend at least six months on 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, a worker is primarily involved in interpreting study results and researching new techniques and equipment. Some experienced professionals become instructors in polysomnography schools or carry out clinical psychology work in different contexts.
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