CLINICAL: (Symposium session) Hypersomnolence disorders – practical challenges in the clinic
Tracks
Track 1
Thursday, October 9, 2025 |
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
Hall L |
Details
This session tackles two, at times challenging themes, in the hypersomnolence sphere - accurate identification of narcolepsy with cataplexy, and approach to managing long sleepers. In addition to practical tips from clinician and lived experience speakers, we aim to incorporate a panel discussion with audience input.
Speaker
Dr Simon Frenkel
Sleep Physician
Western Health
Narcolepsy: Getting the label right
3:30 PM - 3:45 PMBiography
Dr Simon Frenkel is a Sleep Disorders Physician, working at Western Health and also in private practice. Whilst he has expertise in all aspects of Sleep Medicine, he has a particular interest in non-respiratory sleep disorders including insomnia, hypersomnolence, circadian rhythm disturbances and restless legs syndrome. He is actively involved in sleep education, as an invited speaker at state and national scientific meetings along with providing education to Advanced Trainees, General Practitioners and the wider community. He is actively involved in the Australasian Sleep Association, as co-chair of the Sleep Physicians Council and as a member of the Medicines sub-committee.
Dr Aaron Schokman
Research Fellow
University of Sydney
Narcolepsy: Is it really cataplexy? Exploring lived experience
3:45 PM - 4:00 PMBiography
Dr. Aaron Schokman is a lived experience Research Fellow at The University of Sydney. He is currently affiliated with the Central Clinical School, Charles Perkins Centre and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course. Aaron was diagnosed with narcolepsy type 1, a rare and debilitating sleep disorder in his late teens that sparked his interest in research, co-design and all things sleep.
Dr Grace Garden
Neurologist/ Sleep Fellow
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
Long Sleepers: Why is my patient sleeping so long?
4:00 PM - 4:15 PMBiography
Dr David Cunnington
Sleep Physician
Sunshine Coast Respiratory and Sleep
Long Sleepers: Treating the long sleeper – are stimulants always part of the solution?
4:15 PM - 4:30 PMBiography
Dr Sheila Sivam
Sleep Physician
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
Chair
Biography
Prof Brendon Yee
Professor
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
Chair
Biography
