Sleep Technology

This blog is based off of the AAST 2019 Annual Meeting Session "Parasomnias." For more information on this session and other session recordings click here. From nightmares to sleepwalking to REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), parasomnias can occur in many forms without the patient even knowing they are experiencing an event. For sleep professionals, it is imperative they can educate patients with parasomnias as these sleep disorders can have lasting and physically damaging effects.

As wearables have become more common, it’s no surprise companies are expanding their wearable offerings. The latest trend? Smart headbands — wearable devices that reportedly help monitor and inform sleep patterns.

If you’re keeping up with sleep technology trends, you’ve probably heard of smart beds. From temperature controlled mattresses to adjustable firmness, it seems the traditional box spring mattress has been replaced with a technological equivalent.

Whether worn for function or fashion, wearables aren’t going away anytime soon. If anything, companies are investing in the long-term use of wearable technology and enhancing the user experience.

As sleep professionals, we know the importance of using a CPAP device to keep our patients’ breathing consistent while they sleep. For patients with compliance difficulties, CPAP group education might be a viable option. Evidence shows improving CPAP adherence with education in a peer-to-peer environment is an effective way to engage patients. These CPAP support groups and CPAP group discussions can be extremely beneficial for both the patient and the sleep technologist.

At the AAST 2019 Annual Meeting, Sept. 6-8 in St. Louis, Andrea Ramberg, RPSGT, CCSH, and Alex Perkins presented on a panel focused on women and sleep. What follows is an interview with Ramberg and Perkins on some of the topics of their panel. AAST members can download their session slides on the AAST website.

In today’s world, there are so many sleep devices at our fingertips. From wearables that measure our sleep patterns to apps that track them, it seems as though there are many sleep-related products to choose from. But are these products reliable? In this edition of our video series Sleep Spindles, AAST board members Brendan Duffy and Bretton Hevener discuss these new types of products, as well as how they see technology affecting the field in the future.  

Each month, AAST reaches out on our social media pages to ask our fans their opinions on a variety of topics. In this edition of Sleep Spindles, A2Zzz Magazine Associate Editor Kate Jacobson asks AAST board members Bretton Hevener and Michael Eden to answer some of our most popular questions.

The holiday season is in full swing and that means endless cheer and celebration. The holidays may seem merry and bright, but this time of year can greatly impact how you and your family sleep. How do the holidays impact sleep? While you may enjoy the fa-la-la of the season, know that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can cause increased anxiety and depression, insomnia and changes in your sleep cycle. View the below studies and articles to learn more about how to healthily sleep during the holidays and avoid turning into Mr. Grinch. 

Dr. Gerald “Jerry” George Mannikarote, MBBS, MBA, RPSGT, is a healthcare sales and marketing professional with previous experience working in the clinical aspect of the sleep field. Currently, he serves on AAST’s CEC Accreditation Committee. AAST recently caught up with Mannikarote to discuss his love for AAST and how being a member has benefited his life both personally and professionally.