Citations

Abstract Introduction Sodium oxybate is strongly recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for the treatment of narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This study was conducted to characterize demographic characteristics and concomitant medication use of patients with narcolepsy treated or not treated with oxybates (OXB). Methods An electronic health record–based search identified first-time patients from Mayo Clinic and Duke Health between 2002-2024 and 2012-2024, respectively. Patients had ≥1 narcolepsy-specific ICD-9/10 code and ≥1 diagnostic mention of narcolepsy in clinical notes (via natural language processing algorithm). Patients from both Mayo Clinic and Duke Health who were or were not treated with OXB were identified. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results Of 4722 patients, 654 (Mayo Clinic, n=378; Duke Health, n=276) received OXB, and 4068 (Mayo Clinic, n=2800; Duke Health, n=1268) received non-OXB treatments. The majority of patients were white (OXB-treated: 92.1%, 73.6%; non–OXB-treated: 91.1%, 69.2%) and female (OXB-treated: 68.3%, 76.8%; non–OXB-treated: 61.7%, 68.1%). Most OXB-treated patients (65.3%; 63.4%) had narcolepsy type 1 (NT1); the majority of non–OXB-treated patients (78.1%; 64.0%) had narcolepsy type 2 (NT2). The mean (SD) age of the OXB-treated cohort was younger than the non–OXB-treated cohort at the time of diagnosis (OXB-treated: 33.9 [15.3] years, 35.7 [13.2] years; non–OXB-treated: 45.5 [19.2] years, 42.5 [17.8] years). For both cohorts, the most common concomitant medications were stimulants (OXB-treated: 50.3%, 42.8%; non–OXB-treated: 41.8%, 35.2%). Conclusion In this retrospective analysis of nearly 5000 patients from Mayo Clinic and Duke Health, approximately 1 in 8 received OXB. While sodium oxybate has been approved for >2 decades and is strongly recommended for treatment of both EDS and cataplexy in narcolepsy, substantially greater OXB utilization was observed in patients with NT1. As both patients with NT1 and NT2 can experience other narcolepsy symptoms, further OXB-related education remains critical—particularly on the efficacy of sodium oxybate in the treatment of NT2. Support (if any) Avadel Pharmaceuticals

Abstract Introduction Jazz DUET (Develop hypersomnia Understanding by Evaluating low-sodium oxybate Treatment; NCT05875974) was the first study to evaluate effectiveness/safety of low-sodium oxybate (LXB; Xywav®) >9 g/night (outside the recommended range: 6–9 g/night). This analysis evaluated changes in patient-reported hypersomnolence measures in participants with narcolepsy taking LXB >9 g/night compared with LXB 9 g/night. Methods DUET was a phase 4, prospective, open-label study with screening, 8-day LXB 9 g/night (9g-baseline), titration/optimization, stable-dose, and 8-day end-of-treatment (EOT) optimized LXB >9 g/night (up to 12g; >9g-EOT) periods. Patient-reported measures included Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), electronic sleep diaries (completed daily during 9g-baseline and >9g-EOT; subjective total sleep time [TST], number of awakenings, sleep efficiency [TST divided by time in bed], sleep quality [5-point scale; “very good” to “very poor”], and how rested/refreshed the participant felt upon awakening [5-point scale; “very well” to “not at all”]), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS; administered 90 minutes post-polysomnography awakening at 9g-baseline and >9g-EOT), and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire-10 (FOSQ-10). LSM differences (95% CI) from 9g-baseline to >9g-EOT (nominal P-values) were 9g-baseline-adjusted. Results Forty-eight participants took LXB >9g (mean±SD age: 39.2±10.9 years; 62.5% female). Total stable-dose LXB (mean±SD) was 11.1±1.0 g/night (n=45). From 9g-baseline to >9g-EOT, ESS scores improved (LSM [95% CI]: –3.1 [–4.2, –1.9]; P< 0.0001; n=44), nocturnal TST increased (0.3h [0.1, 0.4]; P=0.0163; n=26), sleep efficiency increased (3.8% [1.7, 5.9]; P=0.0011; n=26), and number of awakenings remained stable (–0.2 [–0.7, 0.3]; P=0.3959; n=26). Percentage of participants rating sleep quality as “very good”/”good” increased from 26.9% (9g-baseline) to 61.5% (>9g-EOT), as did rested sleep (“very well”/”well”/”somewhat” rested) from 57.7% to 69.2%, respectively. From 9g-baseline to >9g-EOT, KSS scores decreased (–0.9 [–1.4, –0.4]; P=0.0004; n=39); FOSQ-10 scores also increased (1.3 [0.5, 2.0]; P=0.0014; n=40). Of 48 participants, 36 (75.0%) experienced ≥1 TEAE (mostly mild/moderate and 1 serious [syncope, unrelated to treatment]). No changes in respiratory polysomnography measures were observed. Conclusion Participants with narcolepsy who optimized to LXB >9 g/night, relative to 9 g/night, reported increased sleep quality and restfulness that paralleled improvements in daytime sleepiness and daytime functioning. TEAEs were consistent with those at lower dosages. Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea is an increasingly common condition seen in sleep medicine with prevalence estimates of up to 1 billion patients globally. Treatment with CPAP machines is the mainstay of therapy for patients with moderate-severe OSA, but is resource intensive due to the need for complex electronic equipment and frequent supply refills. The United States healthcare system is estimated to produce.9 million tons of solid waste annually; however, it has not been determined how sleep medicine clinical practices contribute to this total. The purpose of this study was to estimate the total solid waste produced by the treatment of moderate-severe OSA with CPAP in the U.S. over a 10 year period. Methods We modeled waste generation under a steady-state CPAP-treated population (4.8 or 24 million patients), assuming an annual 15% exit/entry rate. Each new patient was assigned a CPAP machine at initiation; existing users contributed waste from ongoing consumable use. Waste calculations included machine and accessory weight (masks, tubing, filters). We evaluated scenarios by varying mask type distribution, tubing type (heated; non-heated), and machine/supply replacement schedules to create total waste estimates. Results The solid waste associated with treating 4.8 million U.S. patients with moderate-severe OSA over ten years ranged from 88.7 to 104.4 kilotons. Maximum waste occurred with heated tubing use, CMS replacement schedules, 5-year device replacement, regardless of mask mix (104.4-104.5 kilotons). Waste was reduced by 15% using lightweight tubing and extending device life to 7 years, and by 45% using a reduced replacement schedule modeled on French practice (2–4 masks/year, 1 tubing/filter/year, 1 water reservoir/year). Conclusion Treatment with CPAP is a resource intensive therapy that produces a significant amount of plastic and electronic waste annually, likely contributing to ongoing environmental and climate degradation. Extending CPAP machine and supply lifespan and selecting for lighter PAP supplies, such as non-heated tubing, can significantly reduce the waste associated with U.S. CPAP use. Support (if any)

Abstract Introduction As targeted treatments for narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) emerge, timely diagnosis and care planning are essential to optimize outcomes. This ongoing initiative aims to identify and address barriers to NT1 recognition and treatment to support practice improvements and patient-centered care. Methods Patient surveys (N=38) were collected in August 2025 through collaboration with the Hypersomnia Foundation to inform an ongoing initiative at five US sleep centers. Results from patient surveys are reviewed at expert-led clinic-based sessions to identify patient needs in care, and case-based discussions challenge participants to apply the latest evidence into practice scenarios. Pre- and post-session surveys are designed to measure the impact on knowledge, confidence, and self-reported performance. Additionally, clinicians will develop strategies for care improvement. Results The top patient-reported barriers to NT1 diagnosis were finding a provider familiar with sleep disorders (42%) and limited appointments/referrals (26%). Ninety-five percent waited over 1 year for formal diagnosis (1-5 years, 71%; 5-10 years, 19%; >10 years, 5%). Narcolepsy symptoms had a significant impact on daily living (82%; 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale), with many patients reporting fatigue (63%), excessive daytime sleepiness (58%), disrupted nighttime sleep (53%), sleep paralysis (50%), and cataplexy (37%) despite treatment. Patients’ top treatment goals were finding a treatment that is effective for their symptoms/type of narcolepsy (61%) and that improves daily functioning/quality of life (55%). However, 19% (1, 2, or 3 on a 5-point Likert scale) reported their care team had not discussed treatment options and 37% (1, 2, or 3 on a 5-point Likert scale) were not routinely asked about treatment goals. Patients were interested in discussing the cause of narcolepsy (63%) and their preferences for treatment (61%). Preliminary findings from the clinic-based sessions have generated practical strategies to address identified gaps in NT1 care. Conclusion Patient surveys uncovered persistent challenges in NT1 diagnosis, communication, and treatment planning. Incorporating these perspectives and case-based scenarios into clinic-based sessions have the potential to improve focused approaches to care and can provide a foundation for integrating evidence into practice as the NT1 landscape evolves. Support (if any) This program was supported by an educational grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.

Abstract Introduction Observational studies have reported associations between hypnotic use and increased risk of cognitive decline. These findings may reflect confounding from insomnia severity, healthcare utilization, and comorbidity burden. We evaluated whether hypnotic exposure is independently associated with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia after rigorous adjustment, including a comprehensive propensity score (PS) and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a biobank sample with linked electronic health records and genetic data. Hypnotic exposure was derived from orders data and categorized as unexposed (n=27,055), single prescription (n=4243), shorter-term use (n=3999), long-term use (≥6 orders for ≥1 year; n=3214), and by drug class: benzodiazepines (n=376), Z-drugs (n=6222), trazodone (n=2395), and mixed exposure (≥2 classes; n=2435). Incident MCI/dementia diagnoses (ICD-9/10) occurring ≥12 months after initial prescription constituted outcomes. The PS modeled likelihood of receiving hypnotics based on demographics; sleep-related conditions; healthcare utilization (record length, visit frequency, diagnostic burden); psychiatric comorbidities; alcohol use and chronic pain. Hypnotic users were 1:2 matched to unexposed individuals on age, sex, healthcare utilization, and PS. Cox proportional hazards models with a 60-month lag tested associations of exposure category, duration, and class with outcomes. Models adjusted for all PS covariates, cardiovascular risk score, and APOE ε4 status. Results Matched but unadjusted analyses suggested slightly higher hazards of MCI/dementia among hypnotic users versus unexposed (HR=1.08; CI=0.99–1.18). However, after PS adjustment and APOE ε4 inclusion, hypnotic users showed significantly lower hazards (HR=0.81; CI=0.74–0.89). Class-specific analyses indicated reduced hazards for Z-drugs (HR=0.83; CI=0.74–0.93), trazodone (HR=0.71; CI=0.60–0.86), and mixed users (HR=0.79; CI=0.68–0.91), with all classes showing lower hazards than benzodiazepine-only users. Long-term hypnotic use was associated with lower hazards than no prescription (HR=0.69; CI=0.61–0.80), single prescription (HR=0.81; CI=0.68–0.97), or short-term use (HR=0.76; CI=0.65–0.90). Conclusion The elevated cognitive risk among hypnotic users appears largely attributable to underlying clinical/utilization factors rather than hypnotic exposure itself. After comprehensive confounding control, all hypnotic classes except benzodiazepines demonstrated lower risk of MCI/dementia. These findings underscore the need for rigorous adjustment in studies of insomnia pharmacotherapy and suggest potential protective effects of certain hypnotics that warrant further investigation. Support (if any) None

Abstract Introduction Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, its use may be contraindicated in patients with recurrent pneumothorax, particularly in the presence of emphysematous lung disease and bleb formation. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) offers a non–positive-pressure alternative for appropriately selected patients. We describe what is, to our knowledge, the first reported case of successful HGNS therapy in an older adult with severe OSA and multiple recurrent pneumothoraces. Methods An 87-year-old man with severe OSA (baseline AHI 38, predominantly obstructive events) experienced multiple right-sided pneumothoraces beginning in December 2022, several of which were temporally associated with BiPAP use at 17/9 cm H₂O. His episodes required repeated interventions, including chest tubes, thoracoscopy with apical bleb resection and pleurodesis, and several pigtail catheter placements. Chest CT imaging demonstrated emphysema with multiple blebs, raising concern for the safety of continued PAP therapy. A mandibular advancement device was deemed inappropriate due to disease severity. The patient’s BMI was 27 kg/m2. HGNS was considered a suitable alternative. Results HGNS implantation was completed without complications. At activation, both the sensation and functional thresholds measured 0.8 V, with excellent tongue protrusion and waveform quality. The device was programmed to 0.8–1.8 V with a 30-minute start delay, 12-hour nightly duration, and 15-minute pause. On follow-up, the patient demonstrated excellent adherence (average 70 hours/week), progressed to level 8 (1.6 V), and reported significant clinical improvement with resolution of snoring and apneas. Functional threshold and waveform analysis at 1.6 V remained optimal. Importantly, the patient tolerated HGNS well without any further episodes of pneumothorax following implantation. Conclusion HGNS may represent a safe and effective alternative to PAP therapy in patients at risk for pneumothorax. While positive pressure ventilation can theoretically worsen pneumothorax by increasing pleural pressure, HGNS operates through an entirely different mechanism: it maintains upper airway patency without altering intrathoracic pressure dynamics, making it a potentially safer option for select high-risk OSA patients. Support (if any)

Abstract Introduction Once-nightly sodium oxybate (ON-SXB; LUMRYZ™) is approved to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or cataplexy in patients ≥7 years of age with narcolepsy. Findings from 2 studies have demonstrated improvements in objective and subjective EDS with ON-SXB in patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) or 2 (NT2) (NCT02720744, NCT06792708). To evaluate the effect of ON-SXB on EDS in a larger, more diverse narcolepsy patient population, changes in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were analyzed using specialty pharmacy data. Methods Demographic/clinical data were collected from Optum Frontier Therapies pharmacy for adults with NT1 or NT2 with ≥1 filled ON-SXB prescription, ≥1 ON-SXB clinical assessment, and ≥1 follow-up ESS score (6/1/2023-9/30/2024). ESS total scores were assessed at baseline and at each follow-up assessment after ON-SXB initiation. ESS assessment participation was voluntary. Data were analyzed descriptively and stratified by narcolepsy subtype. Results Of 452 patients identified, 195 had ≥1 follow-up ESS score and reported narcolepsy type (NT1, n=123 [63%; mean age, 38.6 years; female, 69%]; NT2, n=72 [37%; mean age, 40.7 years; female, 74%]). More patients with NT1 vs NT2 (72% vs 58%) had any prior oxybate use. Baseline concomitant stimulant/wake-promoting agent use was 58% and 64% for NT1 and NT2, respectively. Mean (SD) ESS total scores at baseline were 12.1 (5.7) and 12.2 (5.3) for patients with NT1 and NT2, respectively; 31% of NT1 and 33% of NT2 had severe EDS. For both subtypes, mean (SD) ESS scores were within the normal EDS range (≤10) by the first follow-up (median time, 52 days; NT1, 10.0 [5.5]; NT2, 9.6 [4.8]). At first follow-up, more than half of patients in the NT1 (55%) and NT2 (54%) subgroups achieved normal levels (ESS total score ≤10) of sleepiness, while 20% of NT1 patients and 10% of NT2 patients had severe EDS. Mean (SD) change from baseline in ESS score was -2.1 (4.3) and -2.6 (5.3) in the NT1 and NT2 subgroups, respectively. Conclusion In this real-world dataset, both NT1 and NT2 patients quickly experienced clinically meaningful improvements in ESS score after initiating ON-SXB. These results support ON-SXB as an effective EDS treatment, regardless of narcolepsy subtype. Support (if any) Avadel Pharmaceuticals

Abstract Introduction The relationship between sleep and brain metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to examine whether overnight sleep features, using a home sleep apnea system based on peripheral arterial tonometry, are associated with regional FDG-PET changes in older adults. Methods We analyzed cognitively unimpaired adults (≥60 years) from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA) cohort who were not receiving sleep apnea treatment. Participants underwent overnight sleep assessment with the WatchPAT system, followed by FDG-PET imaging the next morning. FDG-PET data were co-registered to 3T MRI and automatically segmented into 122 anatomical regions. PET signal was referenced to the pons (SUVR). We computed voxel-weighted median FDG signal across 47 bilateral cortical and subcortical regions of interest (ROIs), excluding brainstem and cerebellum. Associations between sleep architecture and sleep apnea/hypoxemia burden and regional metabolism were assessed using partial Spearman’s rank correlation, adjusting for age. Results Thirty-seven participants were included (70.3% female; median [IQR] age: 72.0 [68.0–78.0] years). Wake after sleep onset (WASO) showed widespread negative associations with FDG uptake in cortical regions (p< 0.05), particularly the ventromedial/ventrolateral (rs=–0.47 to –0.33) prefrontal cortex, lateral temporal (rs=–0.38 to –0.33), and occipital (rs=–0.47 to –0.37) cortices. Total sleep time (TST) was positively associated with medial structures (p< 0.05), including the posterior cingulate (rs=0.39), retrosplenial cortex (rs=0.48), hippocampus/parahippocampal (rs=0.34 to 0.36), calcarine cortex (ρ=0.38), thalamus (rs=0.37), and caudate (rs=0.43). Hypoxic burden was positively associated with medial occipital regions (rs=0.35 to 0.39) and AHI-4% with cuneus (rs=0.33). Regional gray matter volume did not mediate these associations. WASO correlated with Insomnia Severity Index (rs=0.43, p=0.008) and self-reported refreshing sleep (rs=0.046). Conclusion Overnight sleep macrostructure features (WASO and TST) and hypoxic burden are significantly associated with brain metabolism, potentially underlying symptoms of sleep disturbance and cognitive aging. Support (if any) Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Development Award (P30 AG062677), R01 AG056366, U01 AG006786, R01 AG056366, R01 AG034676, R37 AG011378, R01 AG041851, R01 NS097495, R01 AG068206, P30 AG062677, R01 HL065176. CLARA project work with funding from the European Union’s HORIZON EUROPE research and innovation programme (No 101136607).

Abstract Introduction Chronic and episodic headaches have a strong bidirectional relationship with insomnia and poor sleep outcomes. AM (morning) headaches are common among chronic pain populations, but additional research is needed to understand their pain experiences and potentially inform targeted interventions. Herein, we investigated whether presence of AM headaches is associated with differences in diary-based sleep parameters and pain ratings in women with pain and sleep complaints. We hypothesize individuals with AM headaches will have more sleep disturbances and fatigue as well as greater pain intensity and unpleasantness. Methods Women (N=293, Mage=39.59, SD 12.65, 65% with morning headaches) reporting insomnia and pain complaints (65% also reporting morning headaches) were recruited in mid-Missouri for an RCT (R01NR017168, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03744156). During baseline assessment, participants completed 2 weeks of daily electronic diaries and reported AM headache presence (Y/N). Independent samples t-tests (SPSS) evaluated differences in sleep parameters and pain ratings in those with and without AM headaches. Participants reporting diagnosed sleep apnea were excluded. Results Morning fatigue was higher among individuals with AM headaches (M=54.72+/-18.25) than those without (M=50.02+/-19.12), t(291)=-2.07, p=.04. Pain intensity was greater in the AM headache group in the morning (M=47.65+/-19.73 vs. M=42.52+/-21.91), t(291)=-2.04, p=.042, and evening, (M=49.62+/-19.10 vs. M=44.23+/-20.66), t(283)=-2.21, p=.028. Evening pain unpleasantness was also rated as higher among those with AM headaches (M=45.90+/-19.55) compared to those without (M=40.82+/-22.52), t(283)=-1.99, p=.048, but morning pain unpleasantness ratings only trended towards significance. Conclusion AM headaches can present as a chronic condition or as a symptom of other sleep disorders. Individuals with AM headaches had minimal sleep differences overall, but morning fatigue, pain intensity (AM and PM), and evening pain unpleasantness ratings were all significantly greater in those with AM headaches. Undiagnosed sleep disorders other than insomnia (i.e., obstructive sleep apnea) or other health concerns, like increased intracranial pressure, may have contributed to pain-related findings. Considering the high prevalence of COMISA in chronic pain populations, further investigation should examine its impact on sleep and headache severity. Support (if any) National Institute of Nursing Research (NR017168; Clinical trial: NCT03744156; PI: McCrae).

Abstract Introduction People with idiopathic hypersomnia often experience sleep inertia, characterized by profound difficulty waking up with grogginess, disorientation, and cognitive impairment immediately after awakening. This post-hoc analysis of the DUET study (NCT05875974) evaluated objective and subjective sleep inertia in participants with idiopathic hypersomnia taking low-sodium oxybate (LXB; Xywav®) stratified by patient-reported ideal nighttime sleep duration (with [>9h] and without [≤9h] long sleep need [LSN]), based on Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) item 1. Methods DUET was a phase 4, prospective, open-label study of LXB with baseline (BL), titration/optimization, stable-dose, and end-of-treatment (EOT) periods. Exploratory outcomes included Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT; objective performance impairment) and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS; subjective sleepiness), administered BL and EOT, in the morning after overnight polysomnogram. The 10-minute PVT was completed at 10, 40, and 90 minutes after awakening. The KSS, a single-item, 9-point scale, was completed upon awakening and immediately before/after PVT assessments. Separate nonlinear, mixed-effects regression models were applied to PVT lapses and KSS ratings to estimate objective and subjective sleep inertia magnitudes, respectively, in LSN subgroups, along with sleep inertia dissipation time constants for the overall cohort. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed. Results Of 46 enrolled participants with idiopathic hypersomnia, 45 had BL IHSS data; 24 reported LSN and 21 reported no LSN. Most (with/without LSN) were female (100.0%/61.9%) and White (91.7%/76.2%); 20/24 and 19/21 completed the study. Based on PVT lapses, objective sleep inertia ±SE (with/without LSN) at BL was 17.0±4.2/4.2±2.8, and at EOT was 0.0±na/2.0±0.9 (BL-to-EOT changes [95% CI]: −17.0 [−25.5, −8.5] and −2.2 [−6.9, 2.5]). Based on KSS, subjective sleep inertia ±SE (with/without LSN) at BL was 6.5±0.3/5.1±0.5, and at EOT was 0.81±0.5/1.5±0.6 (BL-to-EOT changes [95% CI]: −5.7 [−6.7, −4.7] and −3.5 [−4.5, −2.6]). Sleep inertia dissipation time constants ±SE were 2.7±1.1h (PVT) and 13.9±3.8h (KSS). TEAEs were consistent with the known LXB safety profile. Conclusion Participants with idiopathic hypersomnia experienced subjective and objective sleep inertia at BL, with prolonged dissipation after awakening. Objective BL sleep inertia was particularly severe in participants with LSN (>9h). After LXB treatment, notable improvements in objective and subjective sleep inertia were observed for both subgroups. Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals