Sweet Dreams!

Today is the beginning of National Sleep Awareness Week, a nationwide effort to make sleep consciousness a part of every person's lifestyle. A good night's sleep helps us feel good and function well. Yet all too often, refreshing, restorative sleep remains elusive.

Jeanne Lagaly understands the devastating effect of poor sleep. As a polysomnographic technologist and clinical coordinator of the United Sleep Center in St. Paul, she works with patients so exhausted that they fall asleep at stop signs, have difficulty concentrating at work and zone out on the couch after work.

Once their sleep disorder is diagnosed and treated, their life changes for the better. "Their eyes are brighter, they're smiling, they feel normal," Lagaly says.

Solving The Puzzle

When patients arrive at the center, the polysomnographic technologist, or "sleep tech," attaches sensors to their scalp, face, legs and body. The sensors detect brainwaves, eye movements, airflow, respiratory effort, heart and muscle activity. Sensors are connected to a polysomnograph, a machine that converts electrical impulses in the body to graphical tracings.

As patients sleep, these tracings are digitally recorded. The technologist watches patients on a video monitor and enters notations into the recording. These include descriptions of of the patient's body position and behaviors like kicking, talking or sleepwalking.

If necessary, the tech may apply therapy such as oxygen or positive pressure to keep the patient's airways open.

Education And Outlook

In the past, many sleep techs were trained on the job. But these days, most complete formal training, such as the two-year degree program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

The market for sleep techs in the Metro area is currently very competitive. But new graduates willing to relocate will have no trouble finding a job, Lagaly says. Opportunities also exist in research laboratories, home healthcare and companies that manufacture medical devices. And some technologists indulge their wanderlust by taking short-term jobs across the United States and overseas.

A Great Job For Night Owls

If you're considering a career as a polysomnographic technologist, ask yourself if you can remain awake and alert all night. Many full-time sleep techs commonly work three 12-hour shifts each week. For night owls, it's the perfect schedule, but early risers may find the adjustment difficult.