BALTIMORE, June 5 – SLEEP 2018, a joint meeting of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, just wrapped up in Baltimore, and Gingras Sleep Medicine was there.
SLEEP is a world forum where sleep experts and practitioners gather annually to present and discuss the latest trends and advances in clinical sleep medicine and sleep and circadian science. This year, attendees gathered in Baltimore, also known as Charm City, where they discussed academic subjects regarding the science and treatment of all things sleep-related, as well as trending topics such as the accuracy of Fitbits and other wearable devices, medications or prescriptions and sleep issues, such as insomnia.
If you snoozed through the alarm and were unable to make this year’s forum, here is some of what you missed.
Opt for Decaf?
From medications that assist with sleeping and waking, to what to avoid, a variety of research topics were presented at SLEEP 2018. For example, short-term insomnia – sleep loss – is usually resolved without any external assistance. It may be inappropriate or unnecessary to hurry to prescribe medication. Coffee lovers may be bummed to discover that caffeine does not actually improve your reaction time or sleepiness. If you’re a habitual caffeine user, consuming 3-4 cups/day, you can feel terrible during withdrawal. Opting for decaffeinated coffee would be the best option for you.
Sleeping, Snoring, Dreaming
The forum also discussed the clinical relationship of sleep quality with other conditions. Some of the most important of these were heart conditions, depression, nutrition and weight. Attendees learned that screening and treating sleep apnea in patients who’ve had a heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure can help avoid readmission. This study suggested 0% readmission rate with CPAP compliance. Another recent study presented pilot data that suggests that sleep paralysis and dream-like hallucinations are popular in student-athletes. It can also be a symptom of depression.
Not How, But When
Dr. Eve Van Cauter from the University of Chicago presented undeniable data of the relationship between sleep/circadian & diet. Her studies showed food as the synchronizer, or mediator of sleep-disease links. It was also discovered that when it comes to affecting weight and metabolism, it’s not just how much you sleep but when you sleep.
Pediatric Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders in children and adolescents was another prevalent topic of discussion. Studies show that students who get less than eight hours of sleep usually have earlier school start times. Dr. Oluwatosin Olorunmoteni presented data that sleeping problems are more common in Nigerian children who go to private schools, which start earlier and end later than public schools.
By attending meetings like SLEEP 2018, the sleep professionals at Gingras Sleep Medicine are better able to serve you with new and exciting developments that will ensure you sleep – and dream – better. SLEEP 2018 displayed and identified current issues and challenges with diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, sleep medicine practices and other topics related to the field of sleep. It incorporated strategies and tools for the enhancement development of sleep medicine. Last but not least, it acknowledged common sleep disorders, giving attendees a basic understanding on the research of sleep.
If you are having problems getting or staying asleep, a sleep specialist can help diagnose and treat the problem. While a simple medicine or prescription change could solve the problem, it’s best to rule out other serious causes first. For more information about the connections between sleep and medications, or to schedule a sleep study, please call Gingras Sleep Medicine at (704) 944-0562 today or request an appointment online.