Sleep Technician

administers and monitors sleep studies (polysomnography) to diagnose sleep disorders, collects and analyzes data, prepares reports for doctors, and educates patients on healthy sleep habits

• Patient Care & Setup:

  Greet patients, explain the procedure, and set up specialized equipment (sensors, electrodes) on the patient for recording brain, muscle, heart, and breathing activity during sleep.

• Monitoring & Data Collection:

  Monitor patients throughout the night, responding to any issues and continuously collecting data from the sleep study.

• Data Analysis & Reporting:

  Review and analyze the collected data to identify patterns and abnormalities related to sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia.

• Equipment Maintenance:

  Clean, maintain, and calibrate sleep study equipment to ensure accurate readings and proper function.

• Patient Education:

  Educate patients about their sleep study results and discuss treatment options for their diagnosed sleep disorder.

• Adherence to Protocols:

  Follow strict safety and hygiene protocols and maintain accurate, detailed patient records.

Work Environment & Conditions

• Setting:

  Sleep technicians work in sleep laboratories or clinics, typically in an overnight shift.

• Pace:

  The work has a slower pace compared to other medical fields but requires focus and attention to detail.

• Skills Required:

  Requires knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical equipment, and sleep disorder diagnostic methodologies.

Career Path & Qualifications

• Education:

  Programs focusing on sleep technology are available to teach the necessary skills, including anatomy and equipment hookups.

• Certifications:

  Professional registration as a sleep technician is often preferred or required for the role.

• Experience:

  Experience with sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea, is beneficial.