10 of the Most Fun and Helpful Resources for Sleep Professionals
As a sleep medicine professional, having access to the right resources can significantly enhance your knowledge, skills, and overall effectiveness in the field. Whether you're looking for credentialing information, technical guidelines, educational materials, or networking opportunities, the following resources will be invaluable in your journey.
1. Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT)
BRPT is the organization responsible for credentialing sleep technologists with certifications such as CSPGT, RPSGT, and CCSH. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including study materials, practice exams, and updates on the latest developments in sleep technology. Additionally, their latest annual report provides insightful industry trends and advancements.
2. American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST)
The AAST provides critical resources such as Technical Guidelines for sleep technologists and opportunities to earn continuing education credits. Their website is a hub for professional development, offering webinars, online courses, and a membership center that provides access to exclusive content. The State Support Directory is particularly helpful for understanding state-specific regulations and support systems.
3. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
The AASM is renowned for its Scoring Manual, often referred to as the "bible" for sleep technologists. It is an essential tool for anyone in the field. Our online course, The Manual, delves deep into the scoring manual, offering practical applications and real-world scenarios to bring the content to life. Additionally, SleepEducation.org, a resource provided by AASM, is packed with educational materials and resources for sleep professionals.
4. SLEEP Conference
The SLEEP conference is an annual event organized by the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC (APSS), a joint venture of the AASM and the Sleep Research Society (SRS). This conference is a premier event for professionals to network, learn about the latest research, and participate in workshops. It's an excellent opportunity to stay current with advancements in sleep medicine.
5. Philadelphia Sleep Conference
The Philadelphia Sleep Conference is another notable event that offers a platform for sleep professionals to engage with experts in the field, attend informative sessions, and earn continuing education credits. This conference is known for its practical approach and focus on real-world applications.
6. Sleep Research Society (SRS)
The SRS is dedicated to advancing sleep and circadian science through research, education, and advocacy. They offer various forums for collaboration and information exchange, including the annual SLEEP meeting and the bi-annual Advances in Sleep and Circadian Science conference. The SRS also publishes the journals SLEEP and SLEEP Advances, providing cutting-edge research and insights.
7. Savannah Wariner's TikTok
One of our proud graduates, Savannah Wariner, shares her journey and experiences as a sleep technologist on her TikTok account, @sav.wariner. Her content is geared towards encouraging and inspiring newcomers to the field, offering insights into what it's like to be a sleep tech, and tracking her professional growth. We really love this video, where she mentions why she chose our school and highlights how it helped her get started in her career. 🥳
Please note that her videos about us came out just shortly before we launched the redesign of our website, so the images she shows look a little different than what's on our website today, but the content in our courses is just as relevant and helpful!
8. First Sleep School's 10-20 Tool
Our very own 10-20 Tool is a must-have for sleep technologists. It provides a quick and convenient way to measure a patient's head and accurately place electrodes according to the 10-20 Lead Placement system. This tool is designed to streamline the setup process and ensure precision.
9. Facebook Groups for Sleep Technologists
There are numerous Facebook groups where sleep technologists can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Some notable groups include
These communities are excellent for networking, finding advice, and staying up-to-date with industry news.
10. Stay Connected with First Sleep School
To stay updated with the latest from First Sleep School, follow us on social media: Instagram and Facebook. We regularly post updates, educational content, and announcements about our programs and products.
By utilizing these resources, sleep medicine professionals can stay informed, enhance their skills, and contribute to advancing the field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, these tools and networks are here to support your journey.