Workshop (Clinical/Best Practice Implementation) ID 2000430

Abstract

Background/Objectives Sleep disorders are more common among individuals living with spinal cord injury and spinal cord disease (SCI/D) than among non-disabled people. Upon completion of this workshop, attendees will (1) understand the pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, clinical consequences and management of the most common sleep disorders in non-disabled people; (2) recognise the current knowledge, knowledge gaps, and recently research-generated knowledge on sleep disorders in individuals living with SCI/D; and (3) appreciate the use of an educational tool to raise awareness on sleep disorders among individuals with SCI/D. Methods/Overview This workshop will include two 20-minute lectures with illustrative cases followed by open discussion on the following topics: (i) pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, clinical consequences and management of the most common sleep disorders in non-disabled people; and (ii) the current knowledge, knowledge gaps, and recently research-generated knowledge on sleep disorders in individuals living with SCI/D. Finally, an example of educational tool on sleep for individuals living with SCI/D will be presented. Results Untreated sleep disorders can have significant short-term and long-term consequences. Early diagnosis and timely treatment is key in the prevention or mitigation of consequences of sleep disorders. Proper management of sleep disorders can have psychosocial and functional impacts on the lives of individuals with SCI/D; it may also mitigate other secondary medical conditions after SCI/D. Finally, there is a pressing need to raise awareness of this issue among individuals living with SCI/D and healthcare professionals. Conclusion Sleep disorders are common and understudied in the SCI/D population. Early diagnosis and proper treatment is key to improve the lives of individuals with SCI/D and, likely, reduce other secondary medical conditions from SCI/D. Raising awareness on sleep disorders among individuals with SCI/D is needed.