Conversation with Professor Sophia Schiza

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a professor of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at the University of Crete and Head of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Assembly 4. As a researcher, my interests include exploring the links between sleep and breathing disorders and other conditions, such as COPD and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). I am also interested in how these disorders affect men and women differently and the role of technology in diagnosis and treatment. 

I am a member of the European Sleep Apnoea Database (ESADA), which collects data from clinical trials across Europe to better understand risk factors for these conditions. Through my involvement in the IMPORTANCE clinical research collaboration (CRC) and several task forces, I hope to improve outcomes by working closely with patients. 

You are co-chairing the Living with Sleep and Breathing Disorders Patient Conference this month. What are you most excited about for the event, and what do you hope attendees will take away from it? 

Sleep and breathing disorders impact every aspect of a patient’s life. We must learn about the hidden challenges of these conditions and how best to manage them. 

The upcoming ELF Patient Conference is a great platform for patients to share insights and learn from experts about current and future treatments. Working alongside patients at events like these is a great opportunity for researchers too, as it helps us to identify priority areas for research and care. I look forward to applying this knowledge to my own work and understanding how this can contribute to improved care for patients. 

You recently spoke at the ERS Sleep and Breathing Conference in Antwerp, Belgium. What was your talk about and why is it important to raise awareness of this topic? 

At the ERS Sleep and Breathing Conference, I spoke about how obstructive sleep apnoea affects men and women differently. This is a topic that does not always receive enough attention. Key differences include: 

• Women can experience different symptoms, such as more difficulty sleeping and mental health issues. 

• Existing research has often focused on men which may affect how well women respond to standard treatments. 

• Women are at a higher risk of other diseases, known as comorbidities. 

It is also important to consider how living with a sleep and breathing disorder can change with a woman’s age and fertility. Raising awareness of these issues at scientific conferences can help educate other professionals about these challenges and provide better support for patients in the clinic. 

Do you have any advice for patients going through their diagnosis journey. When should someone seek support? 

The diagnosis journey can be challenging. Some helpful steps include: 

• Building trust with your doctor. Good communication can help us identify the issue and learn how to treat it quicker. 

• Sticking to your treatment plan. If something is not working, talk to your healthcare provider as there may be other options. 

Living with a sleep-related breathing condition can impact quality of life. What support or resources would you recommend for patients? 

Maintaining a good quality of life is possible. I recommend: 

• Talking openly with family and friends for emotional support.

• Building a strong relationship with your healthcare team. 

• Learning about the condition through reliable online resources or in-person activities.

• Joining online discussion forums or patient support groups.

Some of your research explores how digital technology can help in diagnosis and treatment. What are your hopes for the future of this field? 

Through the EU-funded project SLEEP REVOLUTION, we are working towards advances in technology which can improve health outcomes. One of our goals is to use artificial intelligence (AI) to group OSA patients based on their symptoms and how well they respond to treatment. This could lead to more personalised therapies and improved patient outcomes. 

Sleep medicine is evolving rapidly. I am excited to continue collaborating with professionals and patients through ERS and ELF to ensure that research translates into meaningful improvements in care.