ABIM Sleep Medicine study plan

Diagram the two-process model of sleep regulation and explain how homeostatic pressure and circadian timing interact across a 24-hour day

Map the stages of normal sleep (N1, N2, N3, REM) and list the defining EEG, EOG, and EMG features of each

Describe age-related and sex-related changes in sleep architecture across the lifespan

Identify the standard polysomnographic montage channels and explain the purpose of each

State the current AASM scoring rules for sleep onset, stage transitions, and arousal

Classify sleep-related breathing disorders per current ICSD categories and distinguish OSA, central sleep apnea, and sleep-related hypoventilation

Calculate the apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index from raw event counts and apply severity thresholds

Compare diagnostic criteria and technical specifications for in-lab polysomnography versus home sleep apnea testing

List the major risk factors and downstream cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of untreated OSA

Outline positive airway pressure titration endpoints and the indications for alternative therapies such as oral appliances and hypoglossal nerve stimulation

Differentiate central sleep apnea subtypes including Cheyne-Stokes respiration and treatment-emergent central apnea

Explain the mechanisms, indications, and limitations of adaptive servo-ventilation and when it is contraindicated

Describe behavioral and device-based OSA therapies including weight management, positional therapy, and myofunctional approaches

Compare PAP interface and modality options (CPAP, bi-level, auto-titrating) and their adherence implications

Summarize surgical options for OSA and the patient selection factors that influence outcomes

Apply the diagnostic criteria for chronic insomnia disorder and differentiate it from insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment

Explain the theoretical basis and core components of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, including stimulus control and sleep restriction

Calculate sleep efficiency and sleep restriction windows from a completed sleep diary

Compare pharmacologic classes for insomnia by mechanism, half-life, and adverse-effect profile, including in older adults

Identify indications for referral to a behavioral sleep medicine specialist and describe relapse prevention strategies

Distinguish narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia using clinical, MSLT, and CSF orexin criteria

Interpret mean sleep latency and sleep-onset REM period counts on an MSLT and identify confounders

Evaluate excessive daytime sleepiness for secondary causes including sleep deprivation, medications, and psychiatric disorders

Classify circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders and explain the role of dim-light melatonin onset and actigraphy

Design a treatment plan using timed light exposure, melatonin timing, and chronotherapy for delayed and advanced sleep-wake phase disorders

Differentiate NREM parasomnias from REM sleep behavior disorder by timing, EEG features, and clinical history

Describe the evaluation and safety counseling for sleepwalking, sleep terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder, including when to pursue neurologic workup

Distinguish restless legs syndrome from periodic limb movement disorder and apply current diagnostic criteria and iron studies

Outline pediatric sleep assessment including behavioral insomnia of childhood and pediatric OSA presentations

Summarize sleep considerations in pregnancy and in older adults, including medication safety and fall risk

Explain bidirectional relationships between sleep and psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder

Describe sleep disturbances associated with medical conditions such as heart failure, COPD, chronic pain, and chronic kidney disease

Interpret maintenance of wakefulness test results and distinguish its role from the MSLT

Evaluate actigraphy outputs including rest-activity rhythms and wear-time validation

Identify artifacts and technical limitations on polysomnography that can produce scoring errors

Integrate all domains through timed mixed-topic practice blocks under exam conditions

Re-teach the three weakest domains identified by practice performance

Rehearse high-yield calculations including AHI, ODI, sleep efficiency, and MSLT mean sleep latency

Consolidate a one-page summary of diagnostic criteria for each major disorder category