Sleep disorders affect a variety of people and can cause even more serious health effects if left untreated. If you’re currently considering your career options, a polysomnographic technology program provides training to enter the field of sleep medicine. These courses, available at some universities and community colleges, offer students the chance for a lucrative career while also allowing you to directly assist patients with their needs. 

What Are Some Common Sleep Disorders?

While there is a wide range of sleep disorders, some occur on a more frequent basis. Insomnia, which is characterized by issues falling and staying asleep, is a problem many people face during the course of their lives. On the other end of the spectrum is narcolepsy, which causes uncontrollable tiredness that can result in a person falling asleep in the middle of an activity.

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes a person to stop breathing several times throughout the night. This can be due to a restricted airway, which is sometimes a complication of obesity. Other people experience sleep apnea due to faulty signaling between the brain and the muscles responsible for breathing. 

What Do Sleep Specialists Do?

There are a few different career paths interested community college students can pursue. A sleep technician works under a technologist or medical doctor when testing patients for sleep disorders. This involves collecting and organizing data garnered during tests, as well as ensuring patients have the right information and instructions after a test has taken place. Sleep technologists are more hands-on when it comes to sleep studies, as they perform tests and provide therapies to patients. 

Sleep health educators work mostly with other staff, including doctors and medical directors. They serve as the touchstone for all relevant information related to a sleep disorder and often help manage patients during studies. There also are sleep center managers who are tasked with managing studies and treatment programs. 

If you’re interested in a career helping people get a better night’s rest, Southeast Community College in Nebraska offers a comprehensive Polysomnographic Technology program. This community college believes in offering ample opportunities to students in fields ranging from education to business administration to medicine. Learn more about submitting your application today by visiting the website. Contact the Lincoln Campus at (402) 471-3333, the Beatrice Campus at (402) 228-3468, or the Milford Campus at (402) 761-2131.