Laying to Rest Challenges in Managing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Narcolepsy- An Augmented Reality Experience

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and narcolepsy. EDS is often associated with traffic accidents and occupational incidents, cognitive impairments, and increased risk of medical and psychiatric comorbidities, resulting in poorer quality of life (QoL) and increased mortality. Yet, the burden of EDS is often underestimated and devising effective strategies for management poses a significant challenge.

Advances in sleep medicine have offered increasingly detailed insight into the physiology of the sleep-wake cycle and its associated neurotransmitters. Subsequently, recent clinical trials have revealed the efficacy and safety of novel therapies in improving outcomes in patients with OSA or narcolepsy experiencing EDS. Translating these data into evidence-based practices is critical to reduce the burden of EDS.

This virtual symposium will examine the impact of EDS on clinical outcomes, QoL, and psychosocial functioning as well as the subsequent need for early detection and effective treatment. In order to apply the latest scientific updates in sleep medicine, this symposium will feature Augmented Reality, enabling expert faculty to walk clinicians through the core physiological mechanisms involved in sleep and the means by which current and novel therapies exert their clinical impact. By navigating recent clinical trial data on these therapies, clinicians should be better able to apply the latest evidence to practice, optimizing the management of EDS in patients with narcolepsy or OSA.

At the end of this CE activity, participants should be able to:
-Recognize the burden of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or narcolepsy.
-Apply the science of sleep to novel treatments for EDS to optimize treatment selection.
-Integrate efficacy and safety data into treatment decisions for EDS in patients with OSA or narcolepsy to improve QoL and functioning.

The following learning objectives pertain only to those requesting CNE or CPE credit:
-Recognize the burden of EDS in patients with OSA or narcolepsy.
-Explain the science of sleep for novel treatment decisions for EDS in patients with OSA or narcolepsy to improve QoL and functioning.
-Recognize the burden of EDS in patients with OSA or narcolepsy.