Aims and Themes of World Sleep Academy Content Areas

Section  Aims  Themes 
Science of sleep 

 

To understand the neural processes involved in sleep and wakefulness 

To review the two-process sleep model 

To assess the effects of sleep deprivation 

 

Introduction to sleep and wakefulness science 

Two process model of sleep 

Effects of insufficient sleep  

 

Technology of sleep 

 

To conduct polysomnography 

To identify sleep stages in PSG 

To recognize specific events marked on polysomnogrphy 

To use actigraphy, sleep diaries and polysomnography 

Polysomnography settings 

Sleep stages and PSG marked events 

Artifacts 

Troubleshooting 

Evaluation of patients with sleep disorders 

 

To conduct a sleep-focused clinical history  

To conduct a sleep-focused physical exam 

 

 

 

Questionnaires used in sleep medicine 

Predictability of symptoms in sleep disorders 

Predictability of physical findings 

Obstructive sleep apnea 

 

 

To review the pathophysiology of OSA 

Understand the risks of untreated of OSA 

To discuss treatment options for OSA 

 

Epidemiology by country 

Pathophysiology and risks: obesity, hypotonia, etc 

Consequences: cardiovascular, cognitive, social, etc 

Treatment: surgery, PAP, orthodontics, etc 

Non-OSA sleep related breathing disorders  To review the diagnostic criteria of non-OSA SDB 

To review scoring of non-OSA SDB 

Central apnea mechanisms and treatment 

Hypoventilation mechanisms and treatment 

Non-Invasive ventilation  

 

To understand the indications for NIV 

To review NIV modes, uses and indications 

To asses scoring of PSG during titration studies  

Principles of NIV 

Types of masks 

Titration interpretation and reporting  

Hypersomnias 

 

To identify patients with narcolepsy/idiopathic hypersomnia 

To understand the MSLT 

Narcolepsy 

Idiopathic hypersomnia 

Klein Levin 

Actigraphy 

MSLT 

Sleep related movement disorders (SRMD) 

 

 

To understand the pathophysiology of SRMD 

To discuss treatment options 

To identify populations at risk 

RLS 

PLMD 

Rhythmic movement disorder 

Review SIT Test 

 

Parasomnias 

 

 

To understand NREM and REM parasomnias 

To distinguish parasomnias from seizures or other paroxysmal events 

Evaluation and treatment of REM parasomnias (nightmares, RBD) 

Evaluation and treatment of NREM parasomnias (sleepwalking, night terrors, etc) 

Insomnia 

 

 

To understand the pathophysiology of chronic insomnia 

To review the diagnostic criteria of insomnia 

To discuss comorbidities in insomnia 

Insomnia presentation and evaluation  

Diagnosing insomnia primary and secondary 

Neuroimaging of insomnia and associated disorders 

Behavioral/psychological / Neurocognitive aspects of sleep   To understand the behavioral and cognitive aspects of sleep and sleep disorders 

To discuss CBT and its use in sleep  

Components of behavioral therapy for sleep 

Components of cognitive therapy for sleep 

Utility of CBT in sleep disorders 

Circadian disorders  

 

 

To understand the diagnosis and evaluation of circadian disorders 

To discuss the role of melatonin and light therapy 

Neuroanatomy of circadian cycle 

Diagnostic criteria of the circadian disorders 

Evaluation of the patient with circadian misalignment  

Pharmacology  

 

To understand neurotrasmitters of sleep and wakefulness 

To discuss common medications for insomnia, hypersomnia, and RLS 

To understand the effect of other medications on sleep 

Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators of sleep  

Effect of medications (antipsychotic and antidepressants on sleep) 

Common medications used in sleep disorders 

Pediatric sleep concerns 

 

To understand sleep issues pertinent to children 

To review populations at risk 

To practice pediatric scoring 

Sleep in neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders 

Various presentations of sleep disorders unique to children 

Pediatric scoring manual sections 

Setting a sleep laboratory  To review current requirements for establishing a sleep laboratory   Legal aspects 

Ethical aspects 

Local regulations 

Sleep Society regulations 

Final review   To summarize learning from the course 

To prepare for the final exam  

Key points from all lectures 

Tips for facts to remember  

Board review questions