Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) Practice Exam

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is widely recognized as a primary and effective therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep, which leads to disrupted breathing and can significantly affect overall health. CPAP works by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask that keeps the airway open, preventing the collapse that characterizes obstructive sleep apnea. The use of CPAP has been extensively supported by research and clinical practice, showing improvements in sleep quality, reduction in apnea episodes, and overall better management of symptoms related to sleep apnea. Patients using CPAP often experience fewer nighttime awakenings, better daytime alertness, and improved overall wellbeing. In contrast, the other therapies listed are not standard treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used for severe depression and is not applicable to sleep-related breathing disorders. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is primarily used for pain relief and has no role in managing obstructive sleep apnea. Bright light therapy is mainly used to treat sleep disorders related to circadian rhythm disturbances and does not address the airway obstruction characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea.