Prof. Dr. Karen Spruyt
Keynote Lecture:
Pediatric Sleep - Insights from the past for the future
Sleep Europe 2024 Lecture Summary
In this presentation, we unravel the intricacies of paediatric sleep by delving into the archives of history, bringing forth insights that illuminate the central role of sleep health in overall child development. This presentation meticulously evaluates the robustness and gaps in research methodologies to date, charting our course toward a nuanced understanding of paediatric sleep.
Biography
Karen Spruyt (PhD, HDR) is affiliated with the National Institute of Medicine and Health (INSERM) and the University of Paris – Robert Debré Academic Hospital in France. Her research focuses on the relationship between children’s sleep and their development. She holds degrees in Clinical Psychology for Children, Adolescents and Adults (Belgium), Child Neuropsychology (Netherlands), and Biostatistics (Belgium/USA).
Prof. Spruyt collaborates with multidisciplinary research teams around the world and conducts translational research in her areas of interest: developmental neuropsychology and somnopathology. She uses her expertise in teaching paediatric sleep research, (neuro)psychology and its subdisciplines, and statistics. Prof. Spruyt is committed to fostering the exchange of ideas and mentoring students in the field of paediatric sleep. Additionally, she supervises and reviews a number of doctoral dissertations. She serves as an active member of the ESRS Sleep Medicine Committee and Paediatric Sleep Sub-committee, International Pediatric Sleep Association, and World Sleep Society. She is a member of the scientific board of the parent organization Rett Syndrome Europe, as well as national organizations focusing on paediatric sleep research, neurodevelopment, and research methodology. Her research has been featured in television and radio programs, as well as in government discussions in Europe and abroad.
Prof. Spruyt is dedicated to promoting the significance of sleep in child development, evident in her clinical, research, and public health initiatives. She has been elected as the EU representative of the World Sleep Society Governing council. Additionally, she mentors the first paediatric sleep program for the International Sleep Research Training Program of the World Sleep Society, based in the Pediatric Sleep Clinic of the Academic Hospital Robert Debré in Paris, which is one of the largest children’s hospitals in Europe. Her collaborative efforts aim to advance the sleep field, allowing future generations of sleep experts to gain invaluable experience.