This session, featuring renowned speaker Jennifer L. Martin, PhD, promises to be enlightening and engaging!  

Sleep is essential, but did you know that sleep disorders can significantly differ in how they affect women? Join us as we explore the intricacies of COMISA (comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea) and how it uniquely presents in women. Here’s what you can expect from this engaging, research-driven session: 

- Discover the Differences in how women experience rest, with insights into neurological and physiological factors.   

- Stay Up to Date with the latest evidence on COMISA and dual-treatment approaches that are reshaping women’s sleep health.   

- Unpack Clinical Challenges and uncover the gaps in managing this complex sleep disorder.   

- Empower Yourself with actionable strategies to enhance outcomes for female patients. 

Whether you're an experienced sleep technologist or new to the field, this session is designed to deepen your understanding of women’s sleep health and equip you with actionable knowledge. 

Virtual Program: September 4 to October 16, 2025 

This six-session program will take place over seven weeks, with sessions scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CDT) on the following dates: September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2, and October 16. 

Designed to help you prepare for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credentialing exam, the AAST Study Club offers an engaging and supportive environment for exam preparation. 

Each 90-minute session will include: 

- A concise review of key Domains and Tasks outlined in the RPSGT Exam Blueprint 

- An interactive discussion focused on core concepts and best practices 

- A guided review of practice exam questions to reinforce learning and test-taking strategies 

Participants are encouraged to actively engage with presenters and peers throughout the sessions to deepen understanding and boost confidence ahead of the exam. 

The Study Club enables you to prepare for the exam over an extended period.  

Who Should Attend? 

The program is a vital resource for sleep professionals who are preparing for the RPSGT credentialing exam.  

What Will Attendees Learn from the AAST RPSGT Exam Study Club? 

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to: 

Summarize the RPSGT exam blueprint; 

Comprehend key concepts related to normal sleep and variants; 

Understand criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders; 

Identify key studying and test-taking strategies. 

Agenda

Held via Zoom, the sessions are filled with mock domain (task) exam questions, giving participants a wealth of opportunities for interactive, real-time practice. Faculty engage with attendees and discuss the correct answers and rationale to confirm comprehension. Attendees will also be able to interact with other study club attendees, where they can ask questions, share study tips, access video recordings of study club sessions, and access assigned readings.

Speakers: 

Laree Fordyce, MS, RPSGT, RST, CCSH, FAAST 

Terrence Malloy, RPSGT, CCSH 

Continuing Education

The American Association of Sleep Technologists will provide Continuing Education Credits (CECs) to registrants for the sessions they attended upon completion of the program.  

AAST RPSGT Exam Study Club: A maximum of 9 AAST CECs, Individuals should only claim those credits earned as a result of this activity. 

Confirmation and Registration Disclaimer 

Confirmation will be sent via email within one week of receipt of the registration form and payment. All attendees must pre-register. 

Cancellation Policy 

Attendees will receive a full refund of all registration fees when a cancellation request is submitted in writing to the AAST Education Dept. at info@aastweb.org by Wednesday, August 27, 2025. After this date, no refunds will be available. Refunds are not provided to no-shows. The AAST reserves the right to cancel this course and provide a full refund should conditions warrant. The refund will only include the cost of registration for the event. 

Objectives for the presentation: 

1. Understand the role of weight in OSA pathogenesis 

2. Review mechanisms of GLP-1 medications for weight loss 

3. Understand the latest data and recommendations on GLP-1 medications for OSA 

4. Examine impacts of GLP-1 on current OSA therapies

• What kind of support do you need to run a successful HGNS (Inspire) program?
• Identifying patients that may benefit from this therapy
• Understanding of structured Care Pathway with Certification for clinicians
• Knowing there are next steps and we don’t stop until the patient and provider are satisfied with the results

Objectives:

1. Differentiate between PAP titration protocols for OSA, CSA, and NIV indicated conditions such as hypoventilation syndromes.
2. Interpret polysomnographic data to guide the adjustment of advanced PAP modalities, including ASV, BiPAP-ST, and volume-assured pressure support.
3. Formulate individualized titration strategies for patients with central sleep apnea and those requiring non-invasive ventilation, based on clinical presentation and comorbidities.

Rhythm recognition round-up will review normal cardiac conduction, identify the relationships between EKG and normal cardiac conduction. Identify the relationships of the anatomy of the heart, how electricity travels through it and translates into the EKG we see. You will be able to identify what changes can happen based on differences from the normal relationships and rapidly analyze and interpret types of rhythms.

Objectives:                   
§  Normal Cardiac Conduction Review
§  Lead Placement Review
§  Review EKG Waveform Components
§  Basic interpretation guides
§  Rhythm Interpretation and Analysis
 

This presentation discussed barriers to effective communication and techniques used to improve day to day patient interactions to influence outcomes. These topics expand to all patient areas, but we will focus on some sleep specific scenarios.

Objectives:

1. Recognize the impact of low health literacy on sleep health outcomes
2. Describe methods of communication techniques to support patients' therapeutic journey and wellbeing
3. Evaluate patient understanding of condition/treatment options 

Speakers: 

• Robyn Woidtke, MSN, RN, RPSGT, CCSH, FAAST

Continuing Education:

• 1 AAST CEC after passing a short knowledge assessment in the AAST Learning Center
• Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider License No. CEP17872 for 1 contact hour.

A panel of senior sleep technologists will be sharing their experiences and lessons learned that have helped build their successful careers in the sleep center, and sleep industry. 

Objectives:
1.  Provide insight on what skillsets helped prepare for their current roles
2.  Understand different roles in the sleep field
3.  Discuss training not just for new employees, but ongoing to promote educational growth and promote career opportunities 

Speakers: 

•  Sarah Brennecka, BA, RPSGT,  AAST Education Advisory Committee Chair 
•  Bryan Beaudette, RPSGT, CCSH 
•  Tessa Klucznyk, RST, RPSGT 
•  Andrea Ramberg, RPSGT, CCSH

Continuing Education:
1 AAST CEC after passing a short knowledge assessment in the AAST Learning Center

This webinar will provide an overview of sleep health through the lens of behavioral sleep medicine - addressing the fundamental functions of sleep, sleep disorders, and treating insomnia and CPAP non-adherence using evidence-based methodologies. 

Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of normal human sleep functioning

2. Identify and assess common sleep disorders

3. Fundamentals of behavioral interventions for insomnia and CPAP adherence. 

Natalia S. David, PsyD, DBSM

Director of Training, DrLullaby.com

Continuing Education:

• 1 AAST CEC after passing a short knowledge assessment in the AAST Learning Center

Access:

• Free with AAST Membership
• $30 for Non-Members

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children effects of 2-3% of all children, however in light of the rising prevalence of childhood obesity, the estimated prevalence has increased to 6-10% of all children. While the first line of therapy for Pediatric OSA in children consists of upper airway surgery via surgical removal off the adenoids and tonsils, it has become increasingly clear that surgery efficacy is limited in older and//or obese children. As a result, alternative therapies, including positive airway pressure  (PAP) therapy has become mainstay for a lot of children. The application of PAP devices in children is unique and requires further attention to ensure that PAP therapy is successful.

Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children
2. Distinguish indications for Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy in children
3. Discuss obstacles of PAP adherence in  children
4. Share real world data of PAP adherence in children

Rakesh Bhattacharjee, MD, FRCPC, DABP(SM), CBSM, DBSM, FAASM

Director of Sleep Medicine, Rady Children’s Hospital

Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UCSD

Continuing Education:

• 1 AAST CEC after passing a short knowledge assessment in the AAST Learning Center

Access:

• Free with AAST Membership
• $30 for Non-Members

This webinar discusses alternative therapies in patient diagnosis and treatment, the benefits of combination therapy, and follow up patient care plans.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss how to impact patient outcomes
2. Demonstrate improving outcomes with Combination Therapy
3. Outline care plans for the CCSH

Speakers:

• Kevin M. Adley RPSGT, CCSH
  Clinical Director
  Midwest Dental Sleep Center
• Andrea Ramberg, RPSGT, BA, CCSH
  RPSGT Clinical Informaticist
  EnsoData
• Daniel D. Lane, MAPsy, BS, CCSH, RPSGT
  PSG Program Coordinator
  Orange Coast College

Recorded: 10/25/2021

CEC Credit(s): 1.0 CEC for AAST

Length: 1-hour

Category: AAST Webinar

Access Period: 30 days from date of access

This content is provided by Zoll/Respicardia.

Overview: In this course, Dr. Khayat and Dr. Javaheri review the pathophysiology of central sleep apnea, with a focus on CSA in heart failure patients.  They discuss the clinical outcomes of patients with CSA and review available therapeutic options for treating CSA.

Presenters:
• Dr. Rami Khayat,
o Professor of Clinical Medicine and Psychiatry and Human Behavior
o Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship Program
o Medical Director, UCI Sleep Disorders Center
• Shahrokh Javaheri, MD
o Medical Director, Sleep Laboratory, Bethesda North Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
o Professor Emeritus, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati
o Adjunct Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University

Objectives:
• Review the pathophysiology of CSA, with a focus on CSA in heart failure patients
• Clarify clinical outcomes of patients with CSA
• Review available therapeutic options for treating CSA

CEC Credit(s): 1.0

Length: 1 hour and 9 minutes

This content is provided by Zoll/Respicardia.

Overview: In this course will discuss how to classify hypopneas and asses the various treatment options for patients wine predominately central sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.

Presenters:

Kara Dupuy-McCauley, MD, Senior Associate Consultant Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Sleep Medicine Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Timothy Morgenthaler, MD, Vice Chair, Mayo Clinic Quality and Affordability Co-Director, Center for Sleep Medicine Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Objectives:

Examine the latest evidence, methods, and clinical experience for classifying hypopneas
Assess the available treatment options for patients with predominantly central apneas and hypopneas
Review experience incorporating phrenic nerve stimulation into clinical practice

CEC Credit(s): 1.0

Length: 1 hour

This content is provided by Zoll/Respicardia.

Overview: In this course, Dr. Emani and Dr. Fudim discuss available therapeutic options for treating Central Sleep Apnea, with special focus on the recently published pooled cohort analysis for phrenic nerve stimulation therapy.

Presenters:
• Dr. Sitaramesh Emani, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Ohio State University
• Dr. Marat Fudim, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Heart Failure Cardiologist at Duke University

Objectives:
• Discuss pooled cohort analysis from phrenic nerve stimulation Pilot and Pivotal Trials
• Review available therapeutic options for treating Central Sleep Apnea

CEC Credit(s): 1.0

Length: 1 hour and 9 minutes

This content is provided by Zoll/Respicardia.

Overview: Understand the tools, approaches, and clinical evidence for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in cardiac patients. This content is provided free of charge by Respicardia.

Presenters:

Kunal Agarwal, MD, FAAFP, FAASM, DipABOM
Medical Director, TidalHealth Sleep Medicine, Seaford & Mellsboro, Delaware
Objectives:

Explore the evidence for sleep apnea screening in cardiology, with a focus on heart failure patients
Understand the mechanisms and clinical consequences of untreated central sleep apnea
Review the evidence for transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation (TPNS) to treat central sleep apnea

CEC Credit(s): 1.0

Length: 45 minutes

Prepare because you can’t predict! No one could have predicted the impact COVID-19 would have on sleep medicine. While we can’t change the events of this past year, we can prepare for the future. Sleep Technologists have a unique opportunity to optimize sleep wellness for our patients. Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Co-Director, discusses the evolving practice of sleep medicine and explores new opportunities for the sleep team. No one is as passionate about sleep health as a Sleep Technologist!

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the changes in the practice of sleep medicine brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA
2. Understand different roles for sleep medicine in evolving concepts of health and healthcare
3. Summarize potential roles sleep medicine technologists might play in the future practice of sleep medicine
4. Explain what skills might be needed to provide value in the sleep medicine of the future

Speakers:

• Timothy I. Morgenthaler, MD
  Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Recorded: 2/22/2021

CEC Credit(s): 1.0 CEC for AAST

Length: 1-hour

Category: AAST Webinar

Access Period: 30 days from date of access

Discover evidence-based techniques to reduce insomnia in patients undergoing sleep testing or among those starting treatment of sleep apnea with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Based on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), these simple interventions will reduce anxiety among patients and techs alike. Review breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery and employ these techniques in the sleep lab to help even the most challenging patients to sleep.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to help manage a patient's lab-based insomnia with simple interventions
2. Optimize PAP therapy acclimatization with desensitization techniques
3. Practice breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to reduce anxiety

Speaker:

Brandon Peters, M.D.

Brandon Peters, M.D., is board-certified in both neurology and sleep medicine and currently practices at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle. He has worked in sleep medicine since college with extensive clinical and research experiences in the field.

Recorded: 4/26/2021

CEC Credit(s): 1.0 CEC for AAST

Length: 1-hour

Category: AAST Webinar

Access Period: 30 days from date of access

This webinar demonstrates how you can drive PAP adherence programs by understanding the value of compliance data combined with your unique skill as a sleep technologist, and how to leverage it for better patient outcomes. This webinar discusses PAP therapy, compliance, coaching and collaboration within the sleep field.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to help manage a patient's lab-based insomnia with simple interventions
2. Optimize PAP therapy acclimatization with desensitization techniques
3. Practice breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to reduce anxiety

Speakers:

• Byron Jamerson, RPSGT, RST, CCSH, FAAST
  Sleep Health Educator, Product Specialist
  Nox Medical
• Amy Korn-Reavis, MBA, RRT, RPSGT, CCSH
  Clinical Support Specialist at Advanced Sleep Management
  Better Sleep Coach
• Sarah Brennecka, BA, RPSGT
  Manager, Sleep and DME
  Northwestern Medicine

Recorded: 7/26/2021

CEC Credit(s): 1.0 CEC for AAST

Length: 1-hour

Category: AAST Webinar

Access Period: 30 days from date of access

Dr. Patrick L. Fraley, MD describes the most recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. Covered topics will include home sleep testing, drug-induced sleep endoscopy, and neurostimulation for obstructive and central sleep apnea as well as snoring.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss how to impact patient outcomes
2. Demonstrate improving outcomes with Combination Therapy
3. Outline care plans for the CCSH

Speaker:

Patrick L. Fraley, MD
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Recorded: 6/27/2022

CEC Credit(s): 1.0 CEC for AAST

Length: 1-hour

Category: AAST Webinar

Access Period: 30 days from date of access

Dr. Satish Puttaswamy Gowda, Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Algonquin, IL provides an overview of respiratory anatomy and physiology of a normal OSA patient including tidal volume, respiratory rate, minute volume.

This presentation identifies and reviews the expected changes with disease progression of common respiratory disorders.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the basics of respiratory anatomy and physiology of a normal OSA patient
2. Describe titrating and supplemental oxygen use and how to evaluate saturations accordingly
3. Identify the pathophysiology of common respiratory disorders

Speaker:

Dr. Satish Gowda, MD is a Pulmonologist in Algonquin, IL. Dr. Gowda has more experience with Sleep Apnea, Obstructive Lung Disease, and Pulmonary Vascular Conditions than other specialists in his area. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Mchenry Hospital.
Recorded: 3/15/2022

CEC Credit(s): 1.0 CEC for AAST

Length: 1-hour

Category: AAST Webinar

Access Period: 30 days from date of access

Description:

This presentation provides an understanding of common disorders affecting respiratory care to identify a patient’s ventilatory deficits and needs to determine how to affectively meet their needs. Dr. Namen discussed transcutaneous / end tidal CO2, respiratory rate and tidal volume and describe treatment pathways and treatment alternatives.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand common disorders affecting respiratory care
2. Identify patient ventilatory deficits and needs
3. Describe treatment pathways and treatment alternative

Speaker:

• Dr. Andrew Namen
  Pulmonologist
  Wake Forest Baptist Health

Recorded: 4/11/2022

CEC Credit(s): 1.0 CEC for AAST

Length: 1-hour

Category: AAST Webinar

Access Period: 30 days from date of access