ESRS 2025 Meetings and Courses Fellowship by Manca Knez

The 2nd ESRS Paediatric Sleep School was an inspiring experience. Held at the Bertinoro Castle in Italy, the course provided an ideal setting for learning, knowledge exchange, and networking.

The scientific programme covered all aspects of paediatric sleep medicine – from the neurophysiology and ontogenesis of sleep to the full spectrum of sleep disorders. Through numerous clinical case discussions, we explored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies relevant to everyday practice. The course addressed the entire paediatric population, from newborns to adolescents, which I found particularly valuable, as each developmental stage presents its own specific challenges.

A strong emphasis was placed on the impact of sleep on mental health and the role of behavioural therapy as an essential component in managing all types of paediatric sleep disorders. The practical hands-on sessions provided an opportunity to apply diagnostic techniques and consolidate theoretical knowledge, which was one of the most useful parts of the programme.

The schedule was well balanced, with ample time between sessions for discussion and reflection. Informal conversations during breaks often led to inspiring exchanges of experience among participants from different countries and clinical backgrounds. The diversity of disciplines represented – including paediatric neurology, child psychiatry, psychology, ENT, and pulmonology – greatly enriched the discussions and broadened our perspectives on the complex topic of sleep.

I returned home full of motivation and inspiration, with many new ideas and goals for advancing my work in paediatric sleep medicine. I am very grateful to the ESRS for this valuable learning opportunity and look forward to future events.

Best regards,

Manca Knez, MD, paediatric resident at General Hospital Celje (Slovenia) and PhD student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)