Advice for Advanced Practice Providers in Managing Sleep Disorders

Wendy L. Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP: We’re going to wrap this up. If you could leave 1 parting bit of advice for our colleagues, our APRNs [advanced practice registered nurses], our physician assistants, the nursing staff that are listening, what advice do you have about managing sleep disorders?

Debra Davis, CRNP: I loved the part where we talked about the chicken or the egg. When someone comes to you and can’t control their blood pressure, or they’re talking to you about the stress in their life, I think if you always have that tickler in the back of your brain that says, "Are they sleeping? Should I ask if they are sleeping?” I think that that would just go a long way to helping the population to be healthier and having a good night of restorative rest.

Wendy L. Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP: And my parting advice to all of our colleagues is don’t be afraid to open Pandora’s box and ask about sleep because you’re going to struggle in getting their pain under control, in treating their depression and anxiety, if we’re not addressing part of the underlying issue, which is not being able to sleep and not getting that restorative sleep. Remember, oftentimes, these people have suffered from sleep issues for years, and you can really make a difference, not just in the short term, but in their long-term health outcomes.

Debbie, it’s truly been my pleasure to sit here and have a dialogue with you about insomnia. It’s been really fun, and I want to thank you on behalf of myself and our colleagues for joining me.

Debra Davis, CRNP: Thank you, Wendy. I have really enjoyed it, and I have learned a lot in preparing for this talk. I just want to move forward in treating our patients as best we can. I’ve learned a lot from you as well. Thank you for your time.

Wendy L. Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP: Right back at you. Thank you so much. And to those of you who are joining us, goodbye for now.

Debra Davis, CRNP: Bye.

Transcript edited for clarity