RST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield RST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is required to score a hypopnea in an adult patient? → ≥30% airflow reduction with ≥3% desaturation or arousal
2. Which of the following is a key component of providing effective patient education on sleep hygiene? → Instructing the patient to establish a consistent sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends.
3. The pathophysiology of NREM parasomnias, such as sleepwalking (somnambulism) and sleep terrors, is best understood as a disorder of: → Incomplete arousal from slow-wave sleep.
4. What is the AASM-recommended low-frequency filter (high-pass filter) setting for EEG channels during polysomnography? → 0.3 Hz
5. According to AASM guidelines for recording chin EMG, what is the correct placement for the three recommended electrodes? → Two on the submental muscle group and one on the mentalis muscle.
6. Which electrode placement is critical for measuring brain wave activity during polysomnography? → C3-A2 and O2-A1
7. According to the AASM Manual, which of the following criteria defines an OPTIMAL PAP titration? → The RDI is 90%.
8. Which of the following is the primary purpose of performing bio-calibrations at the beginning of a polysomnography recording? → To verify that all sensors and electrodes are functioning correctly
9. Which parameter is critical to monitor during a CPAP titration study? → Number of apneas/hypopneas at current pressure
10. What is the purpose of a thermistor in sleep studies? → To detect airflow (oral/nasal breathing)
11. What is the primary safety concern when using supplemental oxygen with PAP therapy? → Fire hazard if near open flames
12. Which sleep disorder is characterized by 'unpleasant leg sensations and an urge to move' that worsens at rest? → Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
13. When scoring for sleep bruxism, what is the minimum required increase in chin EMG amplitude above baseline to score a phasic (rhythmic) bruxism event? → An amplitude that is at least twice the amplitude of the background EMG.
14. What is the purpose of a ramp feature on CPAP devices? → Gradually increase pressure to allow sleep initiation
15. Which parameter is measured by a pulse oximeter during a sleep study? → SpO2 (oxygen saturation)
16. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of narcolepsy type 1? → Autoimmune destruction of hypocretin neurons
17. The pathophysiology of Narcolepsy Type 1 is most directly associated with a significant loss of which of the following? → Hypocretin (orexin)-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus.
18. Which element is a key component of a sleep laboratory's infection control program? → Written protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable equipment
19. What is the recommended sampling rate for EEG channels in digital PSG? → 200 Hz or higher
20. Which of the following is the correct approach for disinfecting reusable surface electrodes between patients? → Clean and disinfect per manufacturer instructions and facility infection control policy
21. Which sleep disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating and drinking during partial arousals from sleep? → Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED)
22. When taking a patient's sleep history, it is most important to ask about their use of alcohol and tobacco before bedtime because these substances can: → cause fragmentation of sleep and worsen sleep-disordered breathing.
23. Which EEG finding is required to score a sleep spindle? → 11-16 Hz activity lasting ≥0.5 seconds
24. When a technologist discovers an unreliable SpO2 signal during a study, what is the appropriate quality assurance response? → Troubleshoot and correct the signal, documenting all actions taken in the study record
25. What is the function of EOG (electrooculogram) electrodes in PSG? → To record eye movements for REM detection
26. Which organization is the primary accrediting body for sleep disorders centers in the United States? → American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
27. Which condition is associated with the 'paradoxical insomnia' complaint of severe sleep deprivation despite normal PSG findings? → Sleep State Misperception
28. Under HIPAA, what is the minimum federal requirement for retaining protected health information documentation? → 6 years from date of creation or last effective date
29. Which polysomnographic finding is diagnostic for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)? → Elevated EMG tone during REM sleep
30. Which of the following is the MOST common underlying medical condition associated with the pathophysiology of Cheyne-Stokes respiration? → Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)