Sleep Technology

As a sleep physician, sleep technologist, or respiratory therapist, it's important you have comprehensive knowledge of the AVAPS non-invasive ventilation mode so you can hone your skills in using advanced PAP titration technology.

Adaptive Servo Ventilation (ASV) is a non-invasive ventilatory treatment option created specifically for the treatment of adults who have obstructive sleep apnea and central and/or complex sleep apnea. It's one of the newer positive airway pressure (PAP) units on the market that continuously monitors and adjust to correct the patient's breathing problem.

As sleep centers receive increasingly sick patients that have much more than Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), it becomes even more essential for sleep technologists to gain improved knowledge of their patients and their illnesses. This includes distinguishing between various lung conditions, such as obstructive lung disease and restrictive lung disease.

As public health professionals make the determination it's safe to see patients and there are more relaxed stay-at-home restrictions, sleep technologist practices should strategically plan on how and when it's best to reopen. They should utilize recommended guidance from relevant prominent authorities, such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the American Medical Association (AMA), on how to safely reopen their facilities. The AAST has conveniently gathered a great deal of important COVID-19 information for sleep technologists that can be found on the AAST resource page.

Interpreting an arterial blood gas (ABG) is a critical ability for respiratory therapists, doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel —  including sleep technologists. It is particularly essential to monitor ABGs in patients who are critically ill. ABGs are a valuable tool for evaluating our patients in the sleep center presenting with complex health conditions like COPD, obesity hypoventilation, and neuromuscular conditions.

As public health professionals make the determination it's safe to see patients and there are more relaxed stay-at-home restrictions, sleep technologist practices should strategically plan on how and when it's best to reopen. They should take recommended guidance from relevant prominent authorities, such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the American Medical Association (AMA), on how to safely reopen their facilities. 

If you have depression, you may notice you're having difficulties with getting to and staying asleep. This is because there is a link between depression and sleep. Below are some ways depression can impact sleep architecture.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting individuals in the U.S. and across the globe. Anxiety and fear surrounding it can cause strong emotions and can be overwhelming. Because they're at the forefront where they can be exposed to the virus, healthcare workers, including sleep clinicians, are among those who are experiencing stress and uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

Two common sleep/pulmonary diseases are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These two conditions can occur simultaneously creating a condition known as Overlap Syndrome, which creates two fold the uncomfortable disordered breathing conditions, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. It results in long-term chronic health issues that go beyond your lungs, like heart disease and diabetes, and their linked myriad complications. 

When you've had a good night's sleep, you can definitely tell. You wake up feeling full of energy, refreshed, and you're ready to begin your day. Sleep is important for both mental and physical well-being.