European Society of Sleep Technologists

The society called European Society of Sleep Technologists (ESST) has as its main goal the promotion of all aspects of sleep research in terms of technologies.

The other goals of the Society:

1) to promote exchange of information between different countries sleep laboratories;

2) to help the creation of standardize criterion for polysomnography in order to be able to interact with different laboratories;

3) to contribute to the development of sleep field in Europe;

4) to support the recognition of the profession of technologists internationally.

The office of the organisation is located at the Sleep Disorders Center, University of Milan, H San Raffaele, Via Prinetti 29, Milan, Italy.

The means of action of the Society are:

1) All activities which it deems useful to the professional training of its members;

2) The organisation of congresses and meetings, scientific and research activities to promote communication between technologists;

3) the organisation of exchange programs and education initiatives in different countries;

4) the circulation of bulletins, brochures, publications, newsletters, journals being responsible of their diffusion;

5) the interaction between national and international sleep organisations operating in sleep field;.

6) the creation of special awards for technologists in order to promote training and education in this field;

7) the organisation of any initiative for the achievement of the Society’s aim.

The Society consists of Full Members (annual or for life), Honorary members and Support Members.

Full Member: any person engaged in sleep research and related topics shall be eligible as a member upon demand to the Society.

Honorary Members: any individuals or company who have rendered exceptional services to the Society or whose action or thought contributed in a significant manner to the scientific, social, moral or economic progress of the Society. It has to be withdraw by the ESST’s Governing Body upon a qualified majority.

Support Members: any individuals or company or institution who annually pay dues whose amount shall be determined hereafter.

Dues: $ 40 or the equivalent in local currency for the Full Members/ $ 400 at least or the equivalent for the support members

The annual due can be revised by a decision of the governing Body and the increase will be published in the internal statutes. The paying of dues implies full and absolute compliance with the statutes, internal regulations and the decisions of all official institutions of the Society.

The status of Full, Honorary, Support Members is lost by voluntary decision, by dismissal, by exclusion. Each member who ceases to pay his dues for a period of three consecutive years can be dismissed at the recommendation of the Governing Body. Each dimissioned or dismissed member may be readmitted, upon his request on the condition he pays his late dues from the time of his dismission.

The Society counts of:

1) The National Delegates

2) The Board of Officers

3) The Governing Body

4) The Scientific Committee

The national delegates are the representatives of that particular country of the Governing Body. Their main duty is to keep the contacts between the Board of Officers and the national group of the Society’s members. Each national delegate is free to have its own internal regulations which of course cannot conflict with the spirit and goals of the Society.

The Society is administered by the Board of Officers. It shall be elected every four years. It consists of: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Member at Large.

The President shall be generally responsible for all matters concerning the administration of ESST. Moreover he is responsible of the execution of policies determined by the Governing Body and shall perform such other function as may be necessary and shall promote the purposes of ESST.

The Vice President shall assists the President and the Secretary in their duties and shall assume the President’s duties in event the President is absent or disabled.

The Secretary shall be responsible for the maintenance of the records of the Society; moreover he has to briefly record the trend of discussion, motions and results of voting during the Business Meeting. The Secretary also have to disseminate information regarding ESST’s activities.

The Treasurer shall have the custody of funds and securities of ESST, shall keep accurate account of receipts and disbursement of funds belonging to ESST and shall deposit all the money in the name and to the credit of the Society.

The Member at Large shall keep the contact between ESST and different other international associations in order to begin to collaborate and interact. Outgoing members are re-eligible for maximum 8 years: plurality of appointment to both the Board of officers and the National Delegates is not permitted. The Board of Officers deliberates and rules by simple majority during its reunion together with the National Delegates that have the right of one vote in decision making on all questions of interest of the Society.

The Governing Body of the Society is formed by all full members included the Board of Officers and the National Delegates. It meets once every two years and it has to vote on the following items on simple majority:

- election of Officers

- election of National Delegates

- acceptance of the financial

report of the treasurer

- membership fees

- future congress sites

The Scientific Committee shall be annual nominated by the Board of Officers in order to make propositions as to the scientific program of the ESST Congress, select the abstract submitted for scientific presentations and assist in the referring of manuscripts submitted for the congress.

Anyone who has not been a member of the Society for at least two years, may not serve as a member of the Board of Officers without exception.

Members of the Society may not receive any payment for the function they perform; reimbursement for fees upon presentation of all necessary receipts is the sole possibility of payments.

Expenses are ordered by the President who represent the Society in all legal and civil matters. He also may delegate in the matters outlined in the internal by-laws.

The annual resources of the Society consist of:

1) the dues and subscriptions of its founders and members;

2) the grants for which it is eligible.

The Society has a scientific basis: it is a non-profit organisation.

The statutes may be modified by the Governing Body upon the suggestion of at least half of its members. The modification suggestions must be sent to all members of the Society at least one month in advance. The modification of statutes may only be decided by a vote of qualified majority of two third of the present or represented members at the presence of at least three-fourth of its members.

The dissolution of the Society can be determined by the Governing Body convened one month in advance according to the same procedures as those as statute modification. The assembly must consist of at least half of the current members. If the total of members present or represented is insufficient, the Board of Officers has to reconvene within a maximum of 15 days. This time it can validly deliberate, no matter how many members are present or represented. In any case the dissolution can only be decided by a vote of a qualified majority of two-thirds of the present or represented members.

In the case of voluntary or legal dissolution, the Governing Body enacts the transmission of the assets of the Society, without the power to give to any member of the Society anything other than that which he contributed.

Angelo Mastrillo,

AITN (ItaliAssociation of Neurophysiopathology Technologists) is the Italian National Society which all the technologists working in sleep, EEG, EMG, evoked potentials, doppler, belong to. It was found in 1976 and its memberships increased up to now very rapidly; nowadays 800 technologists are member of AITN. This association has a Central Council committee organized with one President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 3 Members at Large. Moreover 20 different regions delegates have the duty to keep the contacts between all the region technologists and the central members. Every year a national meeting is held, where all the technologists have the opportunity to present research or clinical papers about their activities on different topics. The association has a newsletter, "Il Notiziario AITN", that is published every three months containing scientific papers, announcements of meetings, news of AITN activities, bibliography, etc. One of the main activity of the association has been the foundation of a national Italian Board for neurological technologists: aim still to be reached, hopefully in the next future!

Sharon Keenan

The APT was established as an international organization for technologists in 1978 by Peter McGregor of the Montefiore Medical Center. The mission of the organization is to provide a forum for technologists and is designed to create a sense of identity and contribute to the standardization of practice within the field. One of the most important accomplishments of the APT was the establishment of the registry examination process. The APT has approximately 1000 members, most of whom are from the continental United States. We also have members in Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, and Canada. Given that the APT is a relatively young organization, there is a tremendous potential for growth. The dynamics of this growth is dependent not only on the numbers but also on the quality of the people involved in the organization. Additional benefits of membership in the APT include reduced fees for sleep related publications and special membership fees for attendance at international sleep meetings each year. We also support a number of scholarships and awards to facilitate travel and other educational activities for technologists. For more information: APT, PO Box 14861, Lenexa, KS, USA.

Khristine Port

ASET as a organization was founded in 1959, and currently, we have 2500 members. We expanded our job duties from EEG alone to include responsibilities in evoked potentials, NCV, polysomnography etc. ASET sponsors educational programs to help with the basic and advanced technologists. ASET also publishes a newsletter that is distributed quarterly. Booklets are available with reprint articles on subjects inclusive of instrumentation, evoked potentials, and a new booklet, polysomnography review questions. ASET also publishes a quarterly Journal. We are proud of all our publications.. As I speak, letters are being drafted by ASET to invite APT to join us at future meetings, and to participate in our training and education courses. I am happy to announce that ASET has rejoined OSET (Organization for Electrophysiologic Technologists). Liaisons are needed, and collectively, a sense of identity will foster and blossom. ASET's address is: ASET Executive Office 204 West 7th, Carroll, Iowa 51401 USA. If you desire more information, you can contact our executive director. Future cooperation are needed as meeting in conjunction being the basis of our foundation to build and expand.

Lucy Seger

Since 1988, the AWAKE Network was established for the purpose of educating and supporting patients who have sleep disordered breathing and their families. In 1990, AWAKE merged with a newly formed organization called the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA). The AWAKE Network is the community support program of the ASAA. There are approximately 90 AWAKE groups throughout the United States. The majority of these groups are coordinated by sleep technologists and financially supported by sleep centers and/or CPAP equipment distributors. The majority of patients who attend AWAKE meetings are obstructive sleep apnea patients on nasal CPAP. The purpose of AWAKE group meetings include patient education, peer support and an opportunity for social interaction. Many of the groups promote other activities such as patient newsletters, public education seminars and public awareness campaigns. Patients and their family members are brought together during monthly or bimonthly meetings which may include attendance from sleep technologists and physicians, social workers, dietitians, and representatives from equipment manufacturers and distributors. A typical meeting begins with an open discussion regarding information about the patient's disorder and its therapy. A speaker is asked to present a topic about various health issues, such as nasal CPAP or weight loss techniques. At the conclusion of the meeting, patients and their families interact on an individual basis. Patients are very active in the group's activities and decisions and share the responsibility of leading the group with the sleep professional. The AWAKE Network has organizational guidelines available to assist others in establishing patient groups. A quarterly newsletter is also available for AWAKE group coordinators so as to share ideas and information among groups.

If you are interested in starting an AWAKE group and/or receiving our quarterly newsletter, please contact. The AWAKE Network, PO Box 534, Bethel Park, PA 15102, USA.

Angelo Mastrillo,

OSET was found in 1976 by Mr. L. Ponsen (The Netherlands) and by Mr. P. Nelligan (U.K.). It is an international organisation to which 14 different countries belong to; these are Australia, Canada, Germany, Finland, France, India, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. USA. An international meeting where all the members of the organisation meet, is held every four years; the past sites of the meetings were London in 1979, Winnipeg (Canada) in 1983 and Endhoven (Netherlands) in 1987, Melbourne (Australia) in 1991.

This organisation has an Executive Commission and Council Members: the election of these members is done every four years by the different countries delegates. There is to stress the importance of the Education Commission that works on the creation of international standards in neurophysiology. This Commission worked before on standard of EEG and on the education standards for the neurological technologist; in the next future they will be working on evoked potentials. Italy was one of the founding countries that during these past 16 years of OSET activities has contributed to the growth of the organization. The sharing of the national newsletters of the different countries organizations make possible the exchange of different professional experiences internationally. We hope that the Italian experience in OSET could help together with other countries to the development of the polysomnographic field.

The meeting has been organised in conjunction with the 14 ESRS Congress in Madrid.

As the past years this would allow all individuals interested, to attend both the technologists meeting and the sessions of the ESRS congress. The special fare for technologists, members in good standing of ESST, is the same of the one set for students and it would give all of us the possibility to actively participate to the whole meeting.

The ESST meeting is scheduled as a Pre-Congress Satellite for Tuesday, September 8, 1998. When registering, specify "member of ESST". Special fare in student residences are available for accommodation.

Paper and Posters: submissions can include novel ideas regarding methodological challenges, reports on the use of recent developments in sleep laboratory technology, interesting polygraphic findings, considerations on methodological aspects of sleep recordings in children and adult, use of digital systems for polysomnography, ambulatory monitoring, techniques for patients using positive airway pressure therapy, etc.. . Case presentations and in general, cases, which serve to illustrate the importance of polysomnographic investigation should be submitted. In addition those cases which enhance our understanding of sleep disorders or reveal an interesting or novel approach to this field. Please submit your abstracts no later than June 15, 1998 to the Scientific Secretariat address (abstract must be written in English and typed, indicating the name of presenter and affiliation, also specifying if oral/poster presentation is desired). Your personal contribution would be more than helpful and appreciated for the good course of the meeting.

This course will provide not only a unique learning opportunity, but also a great opportunity to network.

Scientific Secretariat

ESST Meeting 1998

c/o Cinzia Castronovo, RPSGT

Sleep Disorders Center

H San Raffaele, Via Prinetti 29

20127 Milan, Italy

Tel: 39-2-2643.3383

Fax: 39-2-2643.3394

14th ESRS Congress

Mrs Marta Cazorla

Viajes Iberia Congresos

c/ San Bernardo 20

28015 Madrid, Espana

Tel: 34-1-532.8137

Fax: 34-1-522.3416

Hope to see you in Madrid !

The upcoming election will present an opportunity for all members of ESST to participate in the positioning of our organisation to deal with the future.

Are you a knowledgeable, conscientious, professional ESST member in good standing who wish to run for office ? If so, we are looking for you. There are an entire slate of officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Member at Large and different countries National Delegates. All elected positions in the ESST involve a significant time commitment and usually require substantial cooperation and support from the respective office holder’s institutions. If you would like to submit your name or nominate someone else, please use the nomination form included in this Newsletter. We would like to encourage every member of ESST to take part in these changes and recommend for nominations individuals who will provide assistance and support for our association. The election is important to the Society as the changes taking place within our organisation as we continue to move forward with our strategic plan; involvement of the membership will be critical to our success.

The election will take place during the ESST Business Meeting in Madrid on September 8, 1998.

We encourage your participation in this important moment for our Society. The successful candidates will be installed in office during the same day of election.

You may recommend yourself or another qualified ESST member with that member’s permission to serve in the Board of Directors by completing the . attached nomination form. This must be typed and sent to the ESST address postmarked by June 30, 1998 in order to be considered valid for the slate of candidates. The final slate of candidates will be compiled and a letter containing all these information on candidates will be sent to all ESST members.

Office for which recommended: _____________________________________________

Name (last and first):___________________________

Title___________________________

Institution___________________________

Address______________________________________________________

City, State, Postal Code________________________________________________

Telephone___________________________

Fax___________________________

Brief summary of professional background (degree, experience in the field of sleep medicine, objectives for office: maximum 200 words.) have to be provided on a separate

statement.

Consent: I am willing to serve if selected for nomination on this slate and if elected by the ESST membership.

Signed_____________________

Date_______________________

I hereby attest and affirm the following:

1- that I am an active member in

good standing of the ESST;

2- I consent to my nomination for the elected office in ESST;

3- if elected to office, I will faithfully discharge my obligation to that office and to ESST to the best of my ability;

4- I wish to be a candidate for the office of:

APSS (American Professional Sleep Societies) and APT (Association Polysomnographic Technologists) Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LO (USA), June 18-23, 1998. For more information contact: APSS, 1610 14th St. NW, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55901, USA, Tel: 1-507-287.6006, Fax: 1-507-287.6008

The 4th ESST MEETING will be held on September 8, 1998 in Madrid, Spain as a satellite symposia of the 14th Congress of the European Sleep Research Society . Individuals interested in submitting abstracts are asked to do it by June 15, 1998. See page 6 of this Newsletter.

EUROPEAN SLEEP RESEARCH SOCIETY (ESRS) September 9-12, 1998, Madrid, Spain. For further information: Viajes Iberia Congress, San Bernardo 20, 28015 Madrid, Spain. Tel: 34-1-532.8137, Fax: 34-1-522.3418.

Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS), Geneva, Switzerland, September 19-23, 1998. Organising secretariat: ERS Headquarters Lausanne, 1 Boulevard de Grancy, Lausanne CH 1006, Tel: 41-21-613.0202, Fax: 41-21-617.2865.

Alpes Congress, Grenoble, France, December 9-11, 1998.

Secretariat General du Congres, Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon Cedex, France. Tel: 33-4 7839.0843, Fax: 33-4-7839.5863.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Children’s hospital of Wisconsin is seeking a part time, 32 hours per week, night shift tech for our state -of-the-art apnea evaluation lab. Requires knowledge as generally acquired through completion of a two-year respiratory or polysomnography program and at least one year sleep lab experience. Pediatric experience preferred. We offer excellent compensation and

benefit. We are a 220-bed pediatric teaching hospital caring for 70 % of the pediatric patients in South Eastern Wisconsin. For more information forward resume to: Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Senior Employment representative, PO BOX 1997, M.S. 951 Milwauke, WI 53201 Fax: 414-266.6138

REDWOOD CITY, CA

The Sequoia Hospital District is seeking a registered or registry-eligible polysomnographic technologist for its expanding accredited sleep disorders center. Candidates should have experience in all procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders including nocturnal polysomnograms, MSLT/MWTs, nasal positive pressure titration studies and scoring.. This is a dynamic, multi-faceted position that includes state of the art diagnostic procedures and research. The position is 40 hours-4 nights per week and includes and excellent benefits package and competitive salary. Sequoia Hospital Sleep Disorders Center is part of a progressive community hospital that is located in temperatnorthern California on the beautiful San Francisco peninsula. For immediate consideration contact Al Reichart, Sleep Disorders Center, Sequoia Hospital, 170 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City, CA, 94062, Phone: 415-367.5188.

PEORIA, ILLINOIS

The C. Daune Morgan Sleep Disorders Center of Methodist Medical Center of Illinois, located in Peoria, Illinois, has a full-time position available on the third shift for a trained EEG/PSG/EP technologist. The technical responsabilities include: calibrating equipment and setup, compiling information, monitoring and scoring sleep studies. Methodist Medical Center is a 366-bed teaching hospital. Requirements include successful completion of an EEG and sleep studies program, communication skills that promote a cooperative working relationship with physicians, patients, families and other patient-care personnel, strong interpersonal and team-building skills, and a committment to total quality patient care. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, competitive salary, on-site child care and fitness center, plus $ 5000 bonus. For more information, please contact Phyllis Kipp, RN, Clinical Employment Specialist, Human Resources Department, Methodist Medical Center of Illinois, 221 N.E. Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, IL 61636, or fax a resume to 309-671.8210.

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Sleep disorders center at University Hospital in Albuquerque has immediate opening for an experienced PSG technologist. This is a three-bed ASDA-accredited sleep center using the Telefactor SASSY digital system with Grass amplifiers. The center performs about 600 studies per year. The laboratory supports a busy clinic, state-wide referrals and a clinical research program. Experience with PSG recording, scoring, MSLTs and CPAP/Bipap titration is preferred . We will consider training a person with strong EEG skills. University Hospital is a 348-bed tertiary care teaching hospital offering a competitive salary and benefit package which includes health, dental and life insurance, a retirement plan and tuition reimbursement. Located at the base of the spectacular Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque offers a unique combination of year-round recreational and cultural activities. For more information contact and/or send resume to: Rose Mills, Manager, UH Sleep Disorders Center, Suite 307, 4775 Indian School Road, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 or call 505-272.0908.

CLINICAL COORDINATOR Oakland, California.

Well-established accredited San Francisco Bay area sleep center needs a clinical coordinator. Experience in scoring polysomnograms and MSLTs, familiarity with current sleep testing technology, including computer scoring, and ability to supervise and teach the technical staff required. Comprehensive salaries and benefits. Willing to provide relocation assistance. Please call 510-834.8333 or fax a resume to 510-834.4718.

Oakland, California. Seeking a registered or registry-eligible polysomnographic technologist for well-established sleep center. Candidates should have experience in all procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including nocturnal polysomnograms, nasal titration studies and scoring. Comprehensive salary and benefits. Call 510-834.8333 or fax resume to 510-834.4718.

to be added to our growing team: Digitrace Care Services, Inc., one of the fastest growing multiple providers of sleep and EEG services with 14 service office location, is seeking PSG technologists to assist us in our expansion. Positions are currently available for full, part time and per diem employment in multiple locations. Training in polysomnography required. Excellent comprehensive benefits package and career building opportunities. Please forward resume to: Kim Georges, R.EEG.T, Director of Clinical Affairs, DigiTrace Care Services, Inc., 286 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210, Fax: 617-423.0560.

STANFORD IS HIRING registry eligible technologists to join our team. Please contact Terri Quinonez at 415-923.3336.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SLEEP LAB is expanding. We need for additional Sleep Technologist (senior sleep technologist) with primary responsabilities that include: scoring, patient assessment, patient liaison and daily operations of the Sleep Center and additional sleep technologists which primary responsabilities include: patient assessment, patient testing and patient education. We offer comprehensive salary and benefits. Call 415-841.0969 or fax 515-841.0963.

Northwest Medical Sleep Diagnostics Program is looking for experienced polysomnographic technologists to join their unique Outreach Program. Northwest has been performing sleep studies in outlying community hospitals in Alaska for two years. This position is perfect for a versatile, adventurous person with strong “people” skills. It requires travel to remote locations in Alaska several times per month. Good scoring skills are a must. Enjoy working with a friendly group of medical professionals who are committed to expanding sleep medicine access in Alaska. For more information fax to : 907-561.0576 (2401 E. 42nd St. Suite 204, Anchorage, Alaska 99508).

Sleep Disorders Center, Pacific Northwest. MultiCare Medical Center, located in Tacoma, WA-the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, is considered one of the top employers in the area, and currently has a position available in the Sleep disorders Center. Not only this is an excellent career opportunity, but you’ll also enjoy the best in urban living along with unparalleled cultural and recreational amenities. Responsabilities will include recording sleep/wake physiology and performing diagnostic and therapeutic polysomnography. You must have expertise in the field of sleep disorders, MSLT scoring experience, and knowledge of the technical and computer equipment used. One year polysomnographic technology experience required, pediatric experience preferred. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance available. Please send resume to: MultiCare Health System, Human resources, PO Box 5299, Tacoma, WA 98415-0299 (Tel: 253-552.1176).

The Neurodiagnostics/Sleep Disorders Center at Columbia Wesley Medical Center provides a variety of electroneurodiagnostic services including EEG, video-monitor EEG, evoked potentials, EMG, intraoperative monitoring as well as a complete range of sleep studies provided by our state-of-the-art, full service, four bed, accredited sleep disorders center. There is an immediate opening position for an experienced technologist working primarily in the sleep center. This is a primarily day shift position. Perks include flexible hours, opportunities to expand skills in related fields and paid attendance to meetings/seminars. Salary is competitive and negotiable, dependent on background and experience. Position summary: performs computer assisted, and occasional manual, scoring of diagnostic polysomnograms and MSLT; schedules procedures and assembles information for patient charts; handles patient contacts, providing literature/instructions and answering questions; initiates follow up services with home health agencies; monitors quality of documentation, output and results; coordinates research studies and satellite services; assists in education and training of technical staff. Perform sleep studies and assist in other departmental services as necessary; facilities support group meetings and participate in marketing and public service activities; participate in continuing education and training programs. Requirements: at least 3 years experience in sleep center procedures and scoring of sleep studies; would consider individual with extensive experience in EEG and knowledge of sleep center procedures/scoring. Experience with computers and computerized or digital systems/programs preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills and good written and verbal communication skills.

Please fax or send resume to: Kay Wicker, HR Coordinator, Human resources, 550 N. Hi, Wichita KS 67214, Fax: 316-688.7931.

SLEEP TECHNICIANS, Louisville, Kentucky.

Full-time and part-time positions available on the evening shift. The technical responsabilities include calibrating equipment and set-up, patient hook-up, monitoring sleep studies via computerized system, and related paperwork. Applicants must have good communication skills to interact with physicians, patients, families, and other personnel. Contact Sleep Medicine Specialists, the Center for Sleep Disorders at 502-454.0755.

highly motivated who would like to play a pilotal role in the expansion and management of a central Ohio Sleep Lab. We are a hospital based lab. situated in a city of 40.000. The community is a wonderful place to live. If interested please call 614-687.5864 or fax 614-687.6117.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS IN SACRAMENTO CA.

Full time and part time with benefits. Nights, new lab expansion. Send a resume to Mercy Sleep Lab., 6601 Coyle Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608 (Tel: 916-966.5552).

Minimum 6 months experience, full time nights (other shifts may become available) to perform PSGs for clinical and research studies at the Unity Sleep Medicine and Research Center (SMRC) at St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO that is an eight-bed custom-designed facility located in suburban St. Louis (Chesterfield) and serving three large hospitals within the Unity Health System In addition to a large and diverse clinical population the SMRC has active research and education programs. Salary and benefits competitive, plus night shift differential. Send resume and three references to Paula K.Schweitzer, Ph.D., Unity Sleep Medicine and Research Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, 232 S. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017.

SLEEP/NEURODIAGNOSTICS TEAM LEADER. Technician/technologist with knowledge of evoked potentials (all modalities), EEG and 24-hour EEG monitoring, sleep recording and MSLTs. Qualified applicants should have supervisory experience. Job summary: Team Leader supports the operational functions and diagnostic testing in the sleep and neurodiagnostic center and provide leadership and technical expertise. Duties: work with Sleep/Neurodiagnostic Director in a) development and promotion of portable neurodiagnostic services including EEGs and evoked potentials; b) development/growth of portable “at home” sleep services; c) providing technical supervision of NeuroDiagnostics and Sleep Center (4-bedroom) operation; d) maintain relational database of sleep studies of all patients coming through sleep center; e) development of active clinical/research program which integrates services of Sleep/Neurodiagnostic Center. salary, benefits and opportunity for advancement are attractive. Interested individuals should contact: William W. Finley, Ph.D, St. Mary’s Health System, Knoxville, TN 37917-4556 (Tel: 423-545.6746).

Sleep disorders lab. technologist needed for lab in beautiful Portland, Oregon. Paperless system experience required. Twelve hour shifts (19.00-7.00), two-bed lab with possibility of expansion. Enjoy the amenities of city living plus the great outdoors in the Northwest-mountains, ocean, desert all within 1-2 hours. Local activities include mountain climbing, windsurfing, fishing, boating, bicycling, hiking, water and snow skiing, camping and paraflying. The “City of Roses” (Portland) hosts all the cultural events and festivals you could wish for. Send resume to Adventist Medical Center, 10123 SE Market Street, Portland, Oregon 97216 (tel:503-251.6134, fax:503-251.6847).

(exact date and site to be decided)

This 5 days course is specifically designed for technical staff of sleep laboratories and other health care specialists interested in the clinical aspects of normal sleep and sleep disorders, who want to learn the polysomnographic techniques (sleep-EEG application and scoring).

Lectures will be held in English (based on attendance possible simultaneous translation will be available).

At the end of the course a theoretical and practical examination will be administered and the participants will receive a diploma of course attendance. Theoretical sessions will be held in the morning and practical sessions with hands-on in the afternoon. There will also be two evening sessions in the Sleep Laboratory for patient recording. Different expertises in sleep medicine (technicians and physicians) from different countries will teach at the course.

The cost of the 5 days course is

$ 500 and it includes coffee breaks, lunches and all tuition materials.

Special fare for hotel accommodation in University rooms are available on request.

* Basic human sleep (children and adult);

* Physiology and pathology of sleep;

* Main sleep disorders: recognition and treatment (insomnias, excessive day-time sleepiness, disorders of circadian rhythm, parasomnia);

* Instrumentation: amplifiers and filters, equipment calibration;

* Scoring and interpretation of sleep-EEG: sleep staging (R & K), arousal scoring rules, microstructural sleep (CAP: cyclic alternating scoring rules), normal / abnormal record interpretation;

* Multiple Sleep Latency Test: technical considerations, recording methodology and scoring (sleep onset, REM onset);

* Ambulatory monitoring devices for different sleep disorders: advantages and limits in the Sleep Laboratory

1) Sample of recordings: awake EEG patterns, sleep onset, NREM and REM sleep, alpha sleep, epileptiform activity, arousals, periodic limb movements, apneas, bruxism, parasomnias;

2) CPAP and Bi-level pressure titration: CPAP optimal levels of pressure, parameters for patient safety and compliance, Bi-Level pressure titration, adding supplemental oxygen (when and how), side effects associated with CPAP and BI-Level pressure therapy;

3) Artifacts recognition and troubleshooting (various examples);

4) Digital PSG: analog to digital conversion, digital processing, miscellaneous digital recording samples, automatic analysis;

5) Designing a score sheet, preparing a technical report.

2) Patient set-up: electrode application (head measurement for EEG electrode placement with the collodion technique and other facial electrode and body sensor placement);

3) Beginning, recording and ending the test.

Ce cours de 5 jours a été conçu pour le staff technique des centres du sommeil et pour d'autres spécialistes, interessés aux aspects cliniques du sommeil et de ses pathologies, qui désirent apprendre les techniques de la polysomnographie (sommeil-EEG application et lecture). L'expérience dans un laboratoire du sommeil n'est pas indispensable pour être admis au cours.

Les leçons seront en langue anglaise; peut être disponible la traduction simultanée. A la fin du cours il y aura un examen pratique et théorique et tous ceux qui ont suivi recevront un diplôme.

Les différent appareils d'enregistrement du sommeil (systèmes analogiques et digitales pour PSG) seront à la disposition des inscrits.

Des experts en médicine du sommeil (techniciens et médicins) de différents pays enseigneront dans ce cours.

* Sommeil de base (enfants et adultes);

* Physiologie et pathologie du sommeil;

* Principaux troubles du sommeil: diagnose et thérapie (les insomnies, la somnolence diurne excessive, troubles du rhytme circadien,parasomnies);

* Les appareils d' enregistrement du sommeil: filtres, amplificateurs, c;

* L'analyse et interpretation du sommeil-EEG: stades du sommeil (R & K), arousal, microstructure (CAP: cyclic alternating pattern);

* L'analyse des fonctions respiratoire et cardio-vasculaire au cours du sommeil: (PLMS, apnées du sommeil, ECG);

* Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): techniques et

méthodologies d'enregistrement et analyse;

* Monitorage portable pour les différents troubles du sommeil:

avantages et limites.

1)Exemples d'enregistrements: veille, sommeil NREM et REM, activité épileptiques, arousals, PLMS, apnées, bruxism, parasomnies;

2)La ventilation nocturne en pression positive (CPAP et Bi-

Level): niveaux de pression optimums, sûreté du patient et compliance, effets sécondaires de la thérapie;

3)Reconnaissance et élimination des artefacts (divers exemples);

4)PSG digital: conversion analogique-digitale, exemples

d'enregistrements digitales, analyse automatique;

5)Feuille de lecture, compte rendu du technicien;

6)Debut (préparatin du patient, placement des électrodes), enregistrement et fin d'une PSG.

Please send this pre-registration form by mail or fax to:

Elena DIAZ

Centro de Estudio y Tratamiento de Enfermedades del Sueño

c/ Juan Bravo 49

28006 Madrid, SPAIN

Tel: 34-91-309.3243

Fax: 34-91-859.3720

E-mail: cetes@mad.servicom.es

[

“Things that go bump in the night”..... from a text of the National Sleep Foundation.

Parasomnias are types of sleep disorders that intrude into or interrupt the sleep process. They are disorders of arousal, partial arousal and sleep-stage transition. The following are common examples of parasomnias.

Sleepwalkers can experience emotional distress and embarrassment because of their nighttime activities, keeping them from staying with friends or vacationing.

Sleepwalking is most common in children and normally disappears with the onset of puberty.

During sleep, a person may begin talking without reason.

The sleeper may utter a comprehensible speech, isolated words or other sounds. Typically, the sleep talker is unaware of what they are saying.

The talking is often void of emotion, but can be associated with stressful shouting. Other than the irritation or distress, it may cause loved ones, sleep talking is harmless. It is often a temporary phenomenon brought on by stress or illness, but it can continue for many years.

Sleep talking frequently occurs with other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and sleep terrors.

A nightmare is a frightening dream that usually awakens a person from the dreaming stage of sleep (REM sleep). The nightmare is normally a complicated dream that gets more terrifying towards the end. Upon awakening, the person may be breathing rapidly and notice an increased heart rate. The dream content will also be vividly recalled. Talking or striking out during the dream rarely occurs. Nightmares are very common in children and generally do not

require treatment. In adults, emotional stress and traumatic events are often the cause of nightmares.

Sleep terrors are characterized by a sudden arousal with a loud scream and physical behavior of intense fear. During a sleep terror, a person will often sit up with a confused or anxious look. After giving an intense scream, the

person will usually try to “escape” from their surroundings.

Such attempts to escape or fight can result in harm to the sleeper and others. These episodes last for approximately 15 minutes. Very often a person with sleep terrors will go back to sleep immediately afterwards, unable to recall the events the next morning. Sleep terrors are more common in children than adults, and it appears to run in families. These episodes occur during the first third of night’s sleep.

The causes of sleep-related eating are many. The majority arise from a background of more conventional sleepwalking. In some cases, the sleep-related eating was induced by medications prescribed for depression or insomnia. It may be a manifestation of other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea or periodic limb movements (nocturnal myoclonus) with or without the restless legs syndrome. The “sleep-related eating disorder” has only recently been described. Common concerns about this disorder are excessive weight gain, choking while eating, potential injury from starting fires while cooking or cutting oneself while preparing food, and sleep disruption. Approximately two-thirds of those afflicted with this disorder are women and the symptoms typically begin in the late 20s. The overwhelming majority do not suffer from a waking eating disorder.

The membership fee remains equivalent of $ 40.00. To simplify the method of payment, payment by credit card is available. Membership payment will be due each year by January 30th. Only members who have paid their dues will receive a yearly membership acknowledgment

Name Mr/Ms__________________________________________________

Home Address __________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code _____________________________________________

Phone____________________

Professional Address _____________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code _____________________________________________

Phone____________________

Fax______________________

� work address

� home address

Please indicate which phone number should be published in the addresses directory :

� work _ day _ night ; � home

ESST membership fee is

£ 60.000 (Italian Liras) equal to ~ $ 40 (USA dollars).

Payment can be made by choosing among the following options:

£ 60.000 - credit cards (see below). Send or fax the form below to:

Cinzia CASTRONOVO

ESST President

Sleep Disorders Center

H San Raffaele

Via Prinetti 29

20127 Milano

Italy

Fax: +39-2-2643.3394

The equal to $ 40 in your national currency by Eurocheque (no personal cheques will be accepted) or a cheque drawn on an Italian bank to the address above.

We also accept international bank transfer to the following address:

ESST, European Society of

Sleep Technologists

c/o CARIPLO, Cassa di Risparmio delle Provincie Lombarde

Segrate , Milano, ITALY

Active members will receive the ESST Newsletter, the ESST membership card, the addresses directory of European Technologists (only on request), reduced international conference fees and the opportunity to compete for international research and travel awards.

Date____________________

Signature________________

( £ 60.000 Italian Liras = ~ $40)

Card Number: ����������������

Other Remarks__________________________________________________________________

Grass Instrument Division of Astro-Med Inc. have a complete line of PSG equipment as well as transducers, electrodes and accessories. Moreover analog and digital system for polysomnography and EEG; polygraph systems for physiological research, consumables including paper and electrodes.

A complete line: full polysomnographie devices and sleepscreens combined with Windows based Matrix Analyses Software.

Many different sleep apnea devices. Innovative CPAP valves for reduction of sound disturbance during CPAP administration.

Designs, manufacturers and markets technologically advanced medical devices primarily for home use as well as for use in clinical settings. Products include: diagnostic and therapeutic devices for the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders, non-invasive ventilators, oxygen concentrators and asthma management devices, monitoring devices for infants at risk for SIDS.

Recognised as leading manufacturer and distributor with a complete line of new sleep apnea therapy and ambulatory diagnostic products as MESAM® IV (the system for early recognition and monitoring of sleep related breathing disorders), POLY-MESAM ® (the cardiorespiratory sleep lab for today's physician), Max ® nCPAP and Moritz ® biLEVEL, ambulant therapy systems for sleep apnea and other sleep related breathing disorders diagnostic and recording systems.

Develops and markets respiratory products for monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of patients. Products include

Psg screening apnea monitors, CPAP, AutoCPAP and BILEVEL, ventilators, Pulse Oximeters, Monitors and Emergency products that are offered worldwide.

Designs, manufactures and markets worldwide a broad range of products for the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The products, sold under the SULLIVAN ® brand name, include the CPAP, VPAP, Auto

Set and the bubble Cushion Mask

AutoSet and the bubble Cushion Mask System.

Evaluate apnea, nocturnal myoclonus, reflux and more with the portable Synectics medical MicroSleep Series. Products include: MicroSleep Screening Unit MkIII Digitrapper / pH

Meter, pH recording units. Response and solid state pressure systems for UARS & esophageal pressure.

Offers the widest range of specialty sensors for monitoring sleep disorders as: airflow sensors, body position sensors, limb movement sensors, disposable EEG electrodes, respiratory monitoring belts, upper airway resistance sensor.

A pioneer in sleep diagnostics, offers a full line of instrumentation for sleep recording (portable systems) and analysis. Products include: Sleep analysis system, Medilog vision, Medilog MPA-S, Questar Neural Network Sleep Analysis System.