Certified Polysomnographic Technician Certification Sleep Scoring & Staging Flashcards

According to AASM scoring rules, what EEG frequency range defines Stage N2 sleep spindles?

Answer: 12–16 Hz

Sleep spindles are defined by AASM as bursts of 12–16 Hz activity lasting at least 0.5 seconds, characteristic of N2 sleep.

Which feature is REQUIRED to score a 30-second epoch as Stage N3?

Answer: Slow wave activity (0.5–2 Hz, ≥75 µV) occupying ≥20% of the epoch

N3 requires slow wave activity of 0.5–2 Hz with peak-to-peak amplitude ≥75 µV occupying ≥20% of the epoch at F3, F4, or Fz.

During REM sleep scoring, which eye channel finding is most characteristic?

Answer: Rapid, conjugate, irregular eye movements

REM sleep is characterized by rapid, irregular, conjugate eye movements recorded on the EOG channels.

What is the minimum duration of a respiratory event to score it as an obstructive apnea per AASM guidelines?

Answer: 10 seconds

An obstructive apnea requires ≥90% drop in the peak signal excursion lasting ≥10 seconds with continued or increased respiratory effort.

When scoring a hypopnea using the AASM recommended criteria, what percent reduction in nasal pressure signal amplitude is required?

Answer: 30%

AASM recommended criteria require a ≥30% reduction in nasal pressure signal amplitude lasting ≥10 seconds with ≥3% oxygen desaturation or an arousal.

Which arousal scoring rule requires EEG frequency shift lasting at least 3 seconds after ≥10 seconds of sleep?

Answer: AASM arousal rule

AASM arousal rules require an abrupt shift in EEG frequency (alpha, theta, or >16 Hz) lasting ≥3 seconds after ≥10 seconds of stable sleep.