RCP 640 - Introduction to Sleep Medicine

Credits: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

This initial class will provide the student the history of sleep medicine along with basics of normal and abnormal sleep. Screening and types of studies will be learned. Instrumentation set-up and calibration will be introduced.
Prerequisite: Pre-requisite: Graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy educational program and active Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Currently enrolled in the second half of an accredited respiratory therapy educational program and permission of Program Director.
Competencies

Discuss the history of sleep medicine
1. Summarize the history of diagnostic testing
2. Explain the history of treatment of sleep related disorders
Describe normal sleep
1. Explain the normal Sleep / Wake cycle
2. Discuss variations common to circadian rhythm
3. Explain the ways in which sleep phases and stages affect sleep quality
Identify and describe sleep related disorders
1. Describe circadian rhythm disorders
2. Describe the types of insomnias
3. Describe the hypersomnias
4. Describe the parasomnias
5. Describe the movement disorders
6. Describe the breathing disorders
Explain how demographic differences affect sleep
1. Describe normal sleep and sleep disorders for adult males
2. Describe normal sleep and sleep disorders for adult females
3. Describe normal sleep and sleep disorders for children
4. Describe normal sleep and sleep disorders for infants
Demonstrate basic knowledge of electricity and electronics
1. Explain the basic concepts of electricity related to the testing and treatment of sleep disorders
2. Explain the basic concepts of electronic circuits related to the testing and treatment of sleep disorders
3. Explain the basic concepts of devices used in the monitoring of physiologic parameters related to the testing and treatment of sleep disorders
4. Explain the basic concepts of equipment used in the recording of parameters measured during sleep.
Identify methods for the initial screening of candidates
1. Utilize questionnaires in the screening of individuals to determine the need for further evaluation
2. Explain testing that may be performed to identify individuals who should be tested more formally
Contrast the different indications for each type of sleep testing
1. Explain indications that would determine the need for an attended sleep study (I)
2. Explain indications that would determine the need for an unattended sleep study (II, III, IV)
Categorize the sleep record through the scoring and reporting of results.
Summarize the basics of treatment of sleep disorders
1. Explain how circadian rhythm disorders are treated
2. Explain how insomnias are treated
3. Explain how hypersomnias are treated
4. Explain how parasomnias are treated
5. Explain how movement disorders are treated
6. Explain how breathing disorders are treated
7. Describe methods by which a sleep specialist may assist persons to be compliant with therapy for sleep disorders