RC 242 - Introduction to Sleep Medicine

Credit Hours: 1

This course is designed to be an introduction to the specialty area of sleep medicine. Topics to be covered include the definition of sleep, types of sleep, and the physiology of sleep. In addition, sleep problems will be explored along with their consequences and treatment options.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

describe the types of sleep disturbances present in the general population (sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, PLM’s, and restless leg syndrome);
describe the importance of sleep in our daily lives and how sleep problems can lead to medical and psychosocial problems;
list and describe evaluations and tests employed in the field of sleep medicine;
describe physiology of sleep including control of breathing and sleep studies;
describe the different treatment options available in sleep medicine (CPAP, behavioral therapy, pharmacology);
describe the process for patient selection for sleep testing; and
describe the process for patient preparation performed prior to a sleep test.

Prerequisites: Matriculation in the Respiratory Care Program or permission of the department.
S (N)