CHILDRIGHT2SLeep VIENNA CONFERENCE
Applied Pediatric and Adolescent Sleep Medicine & Psychology in Clinical Practice
May 4 – 6, 2025
Europahaus, Konferenz und Bildungshaus, Schloss Miller-Aichholz)
Linzer Str. 429, 1140 Vienna
Thank you for joining the 2025 ChildRight2Sleep Vienna Conference.
We had a total of 117 attendees from 12 different countries and were delighted to have 12 industry partners and 5 advocacy groups also in attendance.
This was the first meeting of the Paediatric Sleep Interest Groups from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hosted in Vienna, a city with a rich 250-year history of children’s health and educational innovation, the event offered a dynamic mix of education, networking, and practical solutions.
Continuous Medical Education: We offered 3 crash courses with multiple workshops and academic sessions which were designed to equip attendees with actionable insights.
Collaborative Discussions: Following invited presentations, we offered roundtables and panels to create a ‘safe space’ for critical discussions about pressing challenges and reviewed solutions in pediatric sleep medicine/psychology built on evidence-based benchmarks.
Professional Growth: As a result of building connections with local, national and international experts, we are applying for a European Union Team Building Grant for financing further brainstorming events over the next four years.
Hybrid Format: Registered attendees will receive a link to the recorded conference program.
The aim of this conference was to foster dialogue on how sleep is more than rest—it’s a powerful tool for preventing illness and promoting recovery. Sleep is prevention!
Conference Program
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ABCs of Sleep Coaching with Quality Control Crash Course
ABCs of Sleep Medicine & Research Crash Course
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Part 1 & 2: Reading & Interpreting PSG-, Monitor- & Wearable-Based Data Workshops
Part 3: Ventilation Workshop
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Our comprehensive main program from May 5-6, 2025, featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and expert-led sessions. The programs focused on practical strategies, expert collaboration, addressed critical challenges in pediatric sleep health, and explored innovative solutions for chronic conditions and sleep care transitions.
May 5: Disrupted Sleep & Wake Behaviours
Recommended for:
Clinicians/Medical Professionals
Early-Career Researchers & Scientists/Nurses/Technical Staff/Advocates/Community Members
May 6: Sleep at Home & in the Hospital
Recommended for:
Clinicians/Medical Professionals
Early-Career Researchers & Scientists/Nurses/Technical Staff/Advocates/Community Members
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Our Industry Showcase on May 5-6, 2025 explored the latest advancements in paediatric sleep medicine. Attendees connected with leading companies and organizations who presented innovative products, services, and technologies designed to enhance clinical practice and research in sleep health.
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The Gala Dinner, held at the charming Fuhrgassl-Huber, was an evening of networking and fine dining. Attendees connected with fellow participants, faculty, and industry leaders in a relaxed setting, while enjoying a curated menu that showcased regional cuisine.
Cr2s conference orangizers
Scientific Committee: O. S. Ipsiroglu (Vancouver/Vienna, CAN), S. Brand (Basel, CH), A. Datta (Basel, CH), J. Fleischmann (Sinzig, GER), G. Klösch (Vienna, AT), D. Krefting (Goettingen, GER), F. Lagler (Salzburg, AT), A. Patzak A (Berlin, GER), B. Schneider (Munich, GER).
Early-Career Project Team: Maren-Ko Kater (Bielefeld, GER) & Julian Mollin (Potsdam, GER)
Disruptive Behaviours, Vigilance & Sleep: T. Akkaya-Kalayci (Vienna, AT), S. Miano (Lugano, CH), C. Popow (Vienna, AT), A. Schlarb (Bielefeld, GER), K. Spruyt K (Paris, F), M. Stein (Seattle, USA).
Children with Medical Complexity: M. Blankenburg (Stuttgart, GER), A. Datta (Basel CH), J. Fleischmann (Sinzing GER), Z. Rona (Vienna, AT), W. Sauseng (Graz, AT).
Sleep at Home & in the Hospital: G. Dorffner (Vienna, AT), A. Hübler (Chemnitz, GER), S. Kerzel (Regensburg, GER), G. Klösch (Vienna, AT), A. Patzak (Berlin, GER), M. Quante (Tübingen, GER).
Invited Speakers/Discussants: Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci (Vienna, AT), Dorit Aschmann-Mühlhans (Landshut, GER), Edit Bárdi (Vienna, AT), Klaus Berger (Münster GER), Markus Blakenburg (Stuttgart, GER), Serge Brand (Basel, CH), Sara Braun (Stuttgart, GER), Oliviero Bruni (Rome, I), Stefan Clemens (Greenville, USA), Penny Corkum (Halifax, CAN), Thomas Czypionka (Vienna, AT), Alexandre Datta (Basel, CH), Georg Dorffner (Vienna, AT), Alexander Dück (Rostock, GER), Jürgen. Fleischmann (Sinzig, GER), Christy Gliniak (Cleveland, USA), Paul Gringas (London, UK), Eline R. de Groot (Utrecht, NL), Anna Heidbreder (Linz, AT), Thomas Herdine (Salzburg, AT), Kerstin Hödlmoser (Salzburg, AT), Axel Hübler (Chemnitz, GER), Osman İpşiroğlu (Vancouver, CAN; Vienna, AT), Reinhold Kerbl (Leoben/Graz, AT), Sebastian Kerzel (Regensburg, GER), Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof (Vienna, AT), Gerhard Klösch (Vienna, AT), Sandra Kooij (Utrecht, NL), Suresh Kotagal (Rochester, USA), Dagmar Krefting (Göttingen, GER), Florian Lagler (Salzburg, AT), Michel Lecendreaux (Paris, F), Simone Machal (Vienna, AT), Mauro Manconi (Lugano, CH), Scout McWilliams (Toronto/Vancouver, CAN), Silvia Miano (Sleep Medicine, Lugano, Italy), Thomas Mitterling (Linz, AT), Julian Mollin (Potsdam, GER; Vancouver, CAN), Lino Nobili (Genova, I), Andreas Patzak (Berlin, GER), Katharina Pal-Handl (AKH Vienna, AT), Thomas Penzel (Berlin, GER), Giuseppe Plazzi (Bologna, I), Paul Plener (Vienna, AT), Christian Popow (Vienna, AT), Mirja Quante (Tübingen, GER), Regina Rath-Wacenovsky (Vienna, AT), Werner Sauseng (Kumberg, AT), Thorsten Schäfer (Bochum, GER), Angelika Schlarb (Bielefeld, GER), Barbara Schneider (München, GER), Rosalia Silvestri (Messina, I), Susan Smith (Kannapolis, USA), Astrid Somnleitner (Graz, AT), Karen Spruyt (Paris, F), Mark Stein (Seattle, USA), Astrid Steindl (Vienna, AT), Daniel Trachsel (Basel, CH), Zsofia Rona (Vienna, AT).
Conference AIM
This conference was more than an event—it was a call for action. Healthcare providers, researchers, members of advocacy groups, industry professionals and policymakers gained tools, strategies and insights to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families. Together, we can ensure that no child’s health is left to chance when it comes to sleep.
To learn more about the conference discussions, please register to receive a link to the recorded sessions or view our detailed program below.
Main Program
Main Program
Monday, May 5 — Tuesday, May 6, 2025
The first day of the main conference took place on May 5th which focused on practical strategies and expert collaboration to address critical challenges in sleep health. The sessions explored disrupted sleep and wake behaviours, including vigilance and 24/7-hypermotor restlessness, with an emphasis on diagnostics, treatments, and management strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
On May 6th, the program shifted to the complexities of sleep care for chronic pediatric conditions. The sessions addressed transitions to adulthood, harmonization of care approaches, and optimization of sleep environments in homes and hospitals.
Across both days, participants engaged in evidence-based discussions and workshops, gaining actionable insights to advance innovation in pediatric sleep medicine and care.
Disrupted Sleep & Wake Behaviours
Vigilance & Hypermotor-Restlessness
Monday, May 5, 2025 — 08:15 to 19:00
Hosted in English
Recommended for Practitioners & Trainees
Explored the role of sleep in prevention, with a focus on restlessness, neurodevelopmental disorders, and rare diseases. Sessions addressed evidence-based approaches to managing conditions like ADHD, RLS, and narcolepsy. Expert-led discussions highlighted the importance of clinical best practices, off-label medications, and underutilized prevention opportunities, such as RLS management during pregnancy and iron supplementation for treating sleep disorders in patients with ADHD.
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Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci (Vienna, AT); Theresa Bengough (Vienna, AT); Oliviero Bruni (Rome, I); Stefan Clemens (Greenville, USA); Penny Corkum (Halifax, CAN); Thomas Czypionka (Vienna, AT); Alexandre Datta (Basel, CH); Paul Gringas (London, UK); Anna Heidbreder (Linz, AT); Osman İpşiroğlu (Vancouver, CAN; Vienna, AT); Sandra Kooij (Utrecht, NL); Suresh Kotagal (Rochester, USA); Florian Lagler (Salzburg, AT); Michel Lecendreaux (Paris, F); Mauro Manconi (Lugano, CH); Silvia Miano (Sleep Medicine, Lugano, CH); Lino Nobili (Genova, I); Giuseppe Plazzi (Bologna, I); Paul Plener (Vienna, AT); Barbara Schneider (München, GER); Susan Smith (Kannapolis, USA); Mark Stein (Seattle, USA); Peter Voitl (Vienna, AT).
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Understand the physiology of restlessness and its impact on vigilance and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Learn best practices for sleep and iron screening in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Explore approaches to rare diseases, including narcolepsy, and the use of off-label medications in pediatrics.
Compare and manage restlessness in ADHD and RLS, including strategies for prevention.
Sleep at Home & in the Hospital
Analysis of Information in Complex Chronic Care in Pediatrics and in Transition to Adulthood
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 — 08:00 to 17:30
Hosted in German
Recommended for Practitioners & Trainees
Focused on improving sleep care for children and adolescents with chronic conditions. Discussions covered transitions to adult care, disrupted sleep in chronic illnesses, and how to optimize sleep environments in homes and in hospitals. Participants worked towards building a consensus and creating actionable strategies to advance pediatric sleep care, emphasizing the concept of "Sleep as a Child’s Right."
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Edit Bárdi (Wien, AT); Markus Blankenburg (Stuttgart, D); Sara Braun (Stuttgart, D); Alexandre Datta (Basel, CH); Georg Dorffner (Wien, AT); Alexander Dück (Rostock, D); Anna Heidbreder (Linz, AT); Axel Hübler (Chemnitz, D); Sebastian Kerzel (Regensburg, D); Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof (Wien, AT); Dagmar Krefting (Göttingen, D); Simone Mahal (Wien, AT); Katharina Pal-Handl (AKH Wien, AT); Andreas Patzak (Berlin, D); Christian Popow (Wien, AT); Mirja Quante (Tübingen, D); Regina Rath (Wien, AT); Zsofia Rona (Wien, AT); Werner Sauseng (Kumberg, AT); Thorsten Schäfer (Bochum, D); Barbara Schneider (München, D); Angelika Schlarb (Bielefeld, D); Daniel Trachsel (Basel, CH).
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Develop SOPs for screening and managing transitions in chronic pediatric cases.
Harmonize clinical and diagnostic tools for conditions like pain, epilepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Create child- and adolescent-centered sleep environments at home and in hospitals.
Collaborate to build a roadmap for advancing sleep care aligned with "Sleep as a Child’s Right."
Crash Courses I, II & III
Crash Courses I, II & III
Sunday May 4, 2025
The immersive 1-day courses were designed to explore transdisciplinary and transdiagnostic step-by-step diagnostics with a focus on creating child- and youth-centered care networks. The courses were tailored for participants at all levels, aiming to offer valuable insights into sleep medicine, sleep disorders, and sleep-related conditions.
Led by an international faculty of experts, the sessions combined interactive presentations and discussions to provide participants with practical knowledge and evidence-based strategies. Attendees gained actionable skills to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve care delivery in clinical practice.
Monday, May 5, 2025
The three specialized workshops were designed to provide comprehensive training in key areas of applied sleep medicine. Two workshops focused on learning how to interpret polysomnography- (PSG), monitor-, and wearable-based data for improved diagnosis and care. The third workshop focused on the principles and application of ventilation techniques in managing sleep-related breathing disorders.
Led by leading experts, these workshops were tailored for clinicians and researchers seeking to enhance their practical skills and apply advanced techniques in clinical practice or research. Attendees gained in-depth knowledge and actionable insights to elevate their proficiency in sleep medicine.
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The aim was to create a safe-space working atmosphere to enable knowledge exchange, target learning and show how sleep medicine and psychology can be implemented at all levels. Presentations and discussions were presented, discussed and supported in their implementation by an international faculty with experienced mentors and experts in an appreciative and open environment.
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Our aim was to enable participants to make comparisons with national and international benchmarks in order to reduce blind spots and the associated uncertainties in the field of sleep medicine and psychology. This was intended to support the implementation of the step-by-step diagnostics that are urgently needed from a preventative medicine perspective in clinical practice, be it in private practice or at a university clinic.
Crash Course I
ABC’s OF Sleep Coaching with quality control
Sunday, May 4, 2025 — 09:00 to 17:00
Hosted in German (and partly in English)
Recommended for Beginners & Advanced Practitioners
This course reviewed the ABC’s of recognizing sleep disturbances as a differential diagnostic consideration for challenging sleep and wake behaviours. It was based on the training concept of the sleep coaching diploma course at the Medical University of Vienna and was built upon the seven theses of the ChildRight2Sleep initiative, which call for child- and adolescent-appropriate concepts in medicine and psychology. The course addressed healthcare professionals working at different levels of the healthcare system who support children and adolescents. The content was shared with the ADHD, RLS, FASD, ASD, and narcolepsy advocacy groups.
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Sleep coaching is a guided approach to improving sleep health through personalized strategies and support. It focuses on identifying and addressing sleep challenges, including sleep disorders, habits, and environmental factors, using non-medicinal interventions such as behavioural techniques, lifestyle modifications, and educational tools.
This concept has generated discussion in sleep medicine, particularly in the care of children and adolescents, due to the lack of standardized training and quality control. This highlights the need for evidence-based approaches supported by professional associations and collaboration with advocacy groups.
Organizations like DGSM and ÖGSM advocate for structured training in sleep physiology, psychology, cultural influences, and both medicinal and non-medicinal interventions. Such programs ensure professionals are equipped to deliver effective sleep counseling, prevention strategies, and psychological support. The Sleep Coaching program at the Medical University of Vienna, endorsed by ÖGSM, serves as a benchmark, offering comprehensive and culturally sensitive training for professionals working across all age groups.
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Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci (Medical University of Vienna, AT); Serge Brand (Sport and Psychological Health and Research, Center for Affective, Stress, and Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, CH); Christy Gliniak (Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA); Eline R. de Groot (Dynamics of Youth – Early Childhood, Utrecht University, NL); Thomas Herdin (Transcultural Communication, Communication Science, University of Salzburg, AT); Kerstin Hödlmoser (Physiological Psychology, University of Salzburg, AT); Brigitte Holzinger (Medical University of Vienna & Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research, Vienna, AT); Nicole Humer (Austrian Midwifery Council, FH Health Professions OÖ, Linz, AT); Osman Ipşiroğlu (Interdisciplinary Sleep Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN; Institute for Sleep-Wake Research Vienna, AT); Katrin Klebermaß (Medical University of Vienna, AT);Gerhard Klösch (University Course Sleep Coaching at the Medical University of Vienna; Institute for Sleep-Wake Research Vienna, AT); Mirja Quante (Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, GER); Zsofia Rona (State Hospital Mödling, AT); Angelika Schlarb (Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy of Childhood and Adolescence, Psychology and Sports Science, University of Bielefeld, GER); Astrid Steindl (Sleep Coaching, Pregnancy & Newborns, Practice Schumanngasse, Vienna, AT); Willhelm Tenner (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Neuropediatrics) and Psychotherapy, Vienna, AT).
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Attendees will learn clinically applicable knowledge at the primary and secondary prevention level about:
The broad spectrum from sleep physiology to sleep psychology
How to distinguish between sleep disturbances and sleep disorders
Possible root causes of sleep disturbances and disorders
The associations of functional diagnoses with sleep and wake disorders and
Non-medication-based interventions as well as
Transcultural communication.
CRASH COURSE II
ABC’S OF Sleep Medicine and Research
Sunday, May 4, 2025 — 09:00 to 17:00
Hosted in English
Recommended for Early-Career Clinicians & Scientists as well as Practitioners
This course was intended to support researchers & practitioners in acquiring practical knowledge about sleep, sleep disturbances, and sleep disorders in children and adolescents. Sleep physiology, critical appraisal of literature and differential diagnostic considerations were in focus. The course consisted of four interactive workshops on: (1) epidemiology and outcome measure research; (2) physiology and pathophysiology;(3) precision medicine in times of AI and (4) the hierarchy of symptoms in a stepped care model.
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Klaus Berger (Epidemiology, University of Münster, GER); Oliviero Bruni (Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, I); Stefan Clemens (Physiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA); Penny Corkum (Psychology and Neurosciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, CAN); Georg Dorffner (Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Medical University of Vienna, AT); Hans J. Gober (Pharmacy, Johannes Kepler University Linz, AT); Paul Gringas (Pediatric Sleep Department, Evelina Children's Hospital, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK); Anna Heidbreder (Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience Research Institute, Johannes Kepler University, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, AT); Osman İpşiroğlu (Interdisciplinary Sleep Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN; Institute for Sleep-Wake Research Vienna, AT); Suresh Kotagal (Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA); Dagmar Krefting (Institute for Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, GER); Silvia Miano (Neurology & Sleep Medicine, Civic Hospital, Lugano, CH); Lino Nobili (Child Psychiatry, University of Genoa, I); Andreas Patzak (Physiology, Charité – Berlin University Medicine, Berlin, GER); Thomas Penzel (Physiology, Charité – Berlin University Medicine, Berlin, GER); Giuseppe Plazzi (Child Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Bologna, I); Thorsten Schäfer (Physiology, Ruhr University, Bochum, GER); Rosalia Silvestri (Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Messina, I); Susan Smith (Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Kannapolis, USA); Mark Stein (Psychiatry, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, USA).
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Attendees will learn clinically applicable knowledge at the secondary and tertiary prevention level about:
The challenges in differentiating sleep disturbances from sleep disorders
The challenges categorical diagnoses create
Working with a visualized logic model, helping to understand the broad spectrum from sleep physiology to sleep psychology, possible root causes and intervention options
The challenges medications might cause on sleep quality and sleep architecture
How to identify individualized outcome measures.
CRASH CoURSE III
Part 1 & 2: Reading & interpreting PSG-, Monitor- & wearable-BASED data
Monday, May 5, 2025 — 08:30 - 15:00
Hosted in German
Recommended for Advanced Practitioners
These workshops provided a comprehensive introduction to reading and interpreting polysomnography (PSG)- (Part 1), monitor-, and wearable-based data (Part 2). Designed for healthcare professionals and sleep specialists, the first workshop covered key elements of the data, including sleep stages, physiological signals, and common patterns observed in sleep disorders. Designed for healthcare professionals and practitioners at different levels of the stepped-care model, the second workshop reviewed alternatives to PSG. We aimed for participants to gain practical skills to analyze results, enhancing their ability to diagnose and manage sleep-related conditions effectively.
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Part 1. Zsofia Rona (Mödling, AT); Astrid Sonnleitner (Graz, AT).
Part 2. Peter Anderer (Vienna, AT); Dorit Aschmann-Mühlhans (Landshut, GER); Georg Dorffner (Vienna, AT); Manuel Kemethofer (Vienna, AT); Gerhard Klösch (Vienna, AT); Sebastian Kerzel (Regensburg, GER); Axel Hübler (Chemnitz, GER); Andreas Patzak (Berlin, GER); Regina Rath-Wacenovsky (Mödling, AT); Zsofia Rona (Mödling, AT); Astrid Sonnleitner (Graz, AT); Daniel Trachsel (Basel, CH).
CRASH COURSE III
part 3: VentilatiON
Monday, May 5, 2025 — 15:30 - 19:00
Hosted in German
Recommended for Advanced Practitioners
The workshop offered an in-depth exploration of ventilation techniques in sleep medicine. Participants learned the fundamentals of respiratory physiology, ventilation modalities, and their application in diagnosing and managing sleep-related breathing disorders. Through practical demonstrations and case discussions, the workshop equipped attendees with the skills to interpret ventilation data and optimize care for patients with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and hypoventilation syndromes. Ideal for healthcare professionals who were seeking to deepen their expertise in sleep-related ventilation strategies.
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Dorit Aschmann-Mühlhans (Landshut, D); Regina Rath-Wacenovsky (Mödling, AT); Daniel Trachsel (Basel, CH).
Industry Showcase
Industry Showcase
Monday, May 5 — Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Our Industry Showcase on May 5-6, 2025 explored the latest advancements in paediatric sleep medicine. From cutting-edge diagnostic tools to groundbreaking therapies and resources, the Industry Showcase offered a unique opportunity to connect with experts shaping the future of sleep medicine Attendees connected and built partnerships with leading companies and organizations who presented innovative products, services, and technologies designed to enhance clinical practice and research in sleep health.
Messer Medical Home Care
OxyCare Medical Austria
Vivosol Home Care Services
Medis
Lowenstein Medical
HABEL Medizintechnik
Medice: The Health Family
Compumedics Alpha Trace
Carl Reiner Breathing Engineering
SOMNOmedics
Idorsia
endorsed by
Austrian Society for Sleep Medicine & Sleep Research (ÖGSM/ASRA)
Austrian Society for Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (ÖGKJ)
German Society for Sleep Medicine & Sleep Research (DGSM)
Austrian Midwifery Board (ÖHG)
Swiss Society for Sleep Medicine & Sleep Research Chronobiology (SGSSC/SSSSC)
Austrian Association of Psychologists
Sponsors
Dr. phil. Michael Ludwig, Mayor of the City of Vienna
Pacific Autism Family Network
Medice: The Health Family
Messer Medical Home Care
Compumedics alpha trace
OxyCare Medical Austria