Delegate: Dariia Kostiukova
Affiliation: ESMANA, European Sleep Medicine and Neurophysiology Association (Ukraine)
Short Bio: As of today, I am the President of the European Association of Sleep Medicine and Neurophysiology (esmana.org), which was founded in Ukraine in 2022. Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, I am currently based in Germany, working in a pediatric sleep laboratory.
Before the war, I established Ukraine’s first pediatric sleep laboratory at the National Children's Specialized Hospital Ohmatdyt, initiated a sudden infant death prevention program, and worked as a **pediatric neurologist** for many years.
The war has changed everything in my life. Today, sleep has become a priority for every Ukrainian—after three years of constant attacks, Ukraine has not slept, and children are suffering the most. We have already documented significant changes in children's mental development caused by sleep deprivation, war-related stress, and the loss of loved ones.
We ask for your support for Ukraine!
Activity: As the President of the European Association of Sleep Medicine and Neurophysiology, my work focuses on advancing sleep health through education, clinical practice, and advocacy, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing war and its profound impact on sleep and mental health.
Our key activities include:
🔹 International Education & Training – Organizing the International School of Sleep Medicine, which brings together global experts to enhance knowledge and practice in sleep medicine.
🔹 Supporting Pediatric Sleep Health – Conducting research on the effects of war-related sleep deprivation on children's neurodevelopment and mental health, raising awareness, and developing strategies for early intervention.
🔹 World Sleep Day 2025 Initiative – Under the theme “Make Sleep Health a Priority”, we emphasize the urgent need to address sleep disturbances in conflict-affected populations, ensuring that sleep is recognized as a fundamental aspect of health and recovery.
🔹 Advocacy & Awareness – Promoting the importance of sleep health among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public to integrate sleep medicine into healthcare systems, both in Ukraine and internationally.
In times of crisis, healthy sleep is not a luxury but a necessity. We continue our mission to ensure every child, every family, and every healthcare professional understands and prioritizes sleep health.
Location: Kyiv-Potsdam
Date of Activity: 14.03.2025
Submitted by: Health Sleep
