BRIGHT LIGHTS AND DARK ROOMS: SLEEP HEALTH IN PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE

Abstract

Background: Strong bi-directional relationships exist between sleep and mental health. Up to 90% of patients with depression symptoms report sleep problems and treating sleep problems often improves mental health symptoms. Sleep problems are prevalent in psychiatric settings; however, Australian psychiatrists receive very limited formal sleep medicine education. This full-day workshop will equip psychiatrists with knowledge and tools to support better sleep health in their patients of all ages, and leverage sleep improvements to complement therapeutic interventions. An expert panel of psychiatrists, sleep physicians and a sleep psychologist will cover the foundations of sleep in psychiatry, common co-morbidities, sleep in attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and the latest pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to improve sleep in psychiatric patients. The interactive workshop also includes a case study discussion session to apply learnings and troubleshoot sleep problems in psychiatric practice. Attendees will also be invited to provide feedback on a comprehensive psychiatrist sleep medicine education curriculum being developed by the Australasian Sleep Association. Objectives: This workshop aims for participants to: 1. understand normal sleep and the bi-directional relationships between sleep and common psychiatric conditions. 2. understand common comorbid sleep and psychiatric conditions. 3. apply sleep medicine principles to assess, manage and treat sleep disorders in psychiatric patients. Methods: Presenters will interactively test knowledge and assumptions about sleep alongside informationbased presentations and opportunities to discuss relevant cases. Participants will self-administer and interpret brief evidence-based sleep assessment tools. There will also be a 90-minute case study discussion session at the end to apply learnings and troubleshoot sleep problems in psychiatric practice.