ICYMI: Top Highlights From Sleep 2022

Sleep 2022 took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, in early June, including talks on narcolepsy, the role of race in sleep disturbances, and the use of opioids in restless leg syndrome.

Here are some highlights of the 36th annual Sleep conference.

Race Is Not a Risk Factor for Disrupted Sleep, but Racism Is

Race is often considered a risk factor for insomnia, among other health conditions including heart attacks and stroke. However, being on the receiving end of racial discrimination is the true risk factor for health complications according to a panel of experts who spoke at the Sleep 2022 conference.

Dr John Winkelman Emphasizes Importance of Long-term Research on Opioids for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) has been treated using opioids for hundreds of years, according to John Winkleman, MD, PhD. However, there are multiple short-term and long-term adverse effects that may occur while taking this opioids. A registry, the National RLS Opioid Registry, was created to evaluate the long-term effects of using this medical treatment to treat RLS.

The Challenges of Living With Narcolepsy While Pregnant and How Providers Can Help

A panel at Sleep 2022 found that women with narcolepsy face challenges when they are pregnant or in the postpartum stage. Providers should be made aware of these challenges to offer support for these women. Early conversations about the creation of birth plans and treatment risks and access to marriage counseling and patient support groups are just 2 recommendations that providers can consider for these women. Clinical risks, such as increased cataplexy during delivery, were also discussed.

Dr Michael Thorpy Explains Findings From REST-ON Trial for Narcolepsy Treatment

The REST-ON trial found that sodium oxybate taken once a night was associated with a significant reduction in episodes of cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy, according to Michael Thorpy, MD, director of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center. Thorpy said that the sodium oxybate has been proven to be the most effective medication for narcolepsy and has the added advantage of only needing to be taken once per day.