Sleep Technology

While more research and testing are needed to show the correlation between lack of sleep and sports-related concussions (SRCs), as noted in part one of the Sleep and Sports-Related Concussion series, baseline concussion tests on athletes can help identify the effects of post-concussion syndrome and sleep disturbances.

The following is a recap of the California Sleep Society’s 14th annual education symposium.

This article is based on the content provided in the Using Baseline Symptoms of Athlete Sleep to Help Interpret Post-Concussion Recovery presentation provided by Brendan Duffy, RPSGT, RST, CCSH.

“What’s your why?” has become a popular question we ask ourselves to identify why we do the things we do — especially if that thing is challenging! Some may answer, “I do it for my health,” or “I do it for my family.”

With the close of summer comes the return to school for children and teenagers. For many, school might look a little different due to the coronavirus pandemic; however, whether school is taking place in a traditional setting or via an online format, it is important for children and teenagers to understand and maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

The way that patients present for evaluation, testing and follow up is not always straightforward, and this is particularly true in the presence of mental health disorders. An understanding of mental health disorders, which often overlap with sleep disorders, is important. Being equipped to discern the differences and similarities in sleep and mental health disorders when reviewing a patient’s symptoms and history can assist the sleep technologist and the clinical sleep health educator (CCSH) to differentiate these disorders. Module six of the AAST Enhanced CCSH Designated Education Program outlines the important role that clinical evaluation plays in managing these patients.

We know that as the days get shorter, we tend to sleep longer — and that the tendency to sleep longer in autumn and winter is only exacerbated for those of us with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, there are some sleep benefits we experience when leaving the summer months behind such as the return to standard time, a decrease in air pollution and lower temperatures, all of which can help our bodies fall asleep.

It’s hard to believe that my time as AAST president is now coming to an end. As I wrap up my term, I can’t help but feel an immense pride and sense of perseverance for the sleep community and AAST. The past two years have been anything but typical and have had profound impacts on all of our lives. Despite these challenges, there is much to be proud of and celebrate.

Throughout STAW, we will be highlighting a few of our 2021 Sleep Technologists Appreciation Week Honorees. These honorees have been nominated by their peers for their hard work and dedication to the sleep industry and community.