Establishes a narcolepsy and sleep disorder education and awareness program

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic1

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Lea Webb says this is needed

Steep disorders are a public health challenge in New York State. Narco- lepsy and other long-term sleep disorders have a major impact on health and safety yet these conditions are routinely underrecognized. A patient often goes 10-15 years before receiving an accurate diagnosis or appropriate treatment. Recent data from U.S. Department of Health shows New York as one of the top 10 states in the country with the poorest sleep trends. Sleep depri- vation leads to impaired cognitive function, a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, depression, and anxiety. Untreated sleep disorders increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries and errors in healthcare. Timely diagnosis requires recognition of hallmark symptoms by both the public and healthcare providers. Prima- ry care providers receive limited format training in sleep medicine. Symptoms of narcolepsy and other long teini sleep disorders are often misdiagnosed as psychiatric conditions, lifestyle factors or stress. As a result, evidence-based treatments remain underutilized. Public education and information about sleep disorders wilt help health professionals, public safety officials, and the community better under- stand sleep disorders, their causes, prevalence and treatment. A state- wide, coordinated education campaign is essential to create awareness, normalize screening and empower patients. New York currently provides education and outreach programs for several health conditions but does not include sleep disorders, despite their prevalence and well-document- ed impact on public health and safety. This bill creates a program to provide materials to healthcare profes- sionals, educators and the public, in consultation with the Office of Mental Health, Department of Transportation, and relevant healthcare provider groups. This program will help raise awareness about narcolepsy and sleep disor- ders that will increase recognition of early symptoms and improve diag- nostic timelines, support providers in identifying and treating narco- lepsy and sleep disorders, reduce stigma and normalize care-seeking behaviors, enhance public safety through targeted education

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.