ACNR - Neurovoices

Podcast by Rachael Hansford

ACNR - Neurovoices

In this podcast series, we speak to leading figures in neurology and rehabilitation and gain an insight into their life and work.

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Latest episodes

11 March 2026

Training the leaders of tomorrow: why ABN clinical fellowships matter for the future of neurology

In this episode of the ACNR podcast, Rachael Hansford speaks with Neil Robertson, President of the Association of British Neurologists, about the workforce pressures facing UK neurology and how ABN clinical fellowships aim to support the next generation of leaders.

00:00

13:16

01 December 2025

Working Less Than Full Time - An update

In 2020, trainee neurologists Amy Ross Russell and Rhian Raftopoulos wrote for ACNR on "Working less than full time – trainee experience, and top tips". Five years later, they are both consultants. In this podcast, they talk more about their experiences and why they are such advocates for working less than full time.

00:00

41:06

29 August 2025

Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep with Professor Guy Leschziner

Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR Publisher

Guest: Professor Guy Leschziner

Episode Length: Approximately 29 minutes

Publication Date: 7 July 2025

Episode Overview

Professor Guy Leschziner, a leading figure in sleep medicine, discusses the evolving landscape of sleep-related disorders. Despite increased awareness and research linking sleep to various neurological conditions, there remains a lack of comprehensive training in this field for medical professionals. Leschziner highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and judicious referrals to sleep clinics, emphasizing that excessive daytime sleepiness can often indicate an underlying issue beyond insomnia. He notes the positive trend of growing interest and multidisciplinary involvement in sleep medicine, while also advocating for a more holistic approach to patient care within the current healthcare system constraints.

This podcast provides valuable insights for neurologists, sleep medicine practitioners, and healthcare professionals interested in understanding the current landscape and future directions of sleep medicine.

Guest Bio

Professor Guy Leschziner is a Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, working between the Department of Neurology and the Sleep Disorder Centre. He is a recognised expert in sleep medicine and author of multiple books on the subject, including "The Nocturnal Brain" and his latest work "Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human."

Key Topics with Timestamps

Introduction & Background

[00:01-00:30] Introduction and Professor Leschziner's role at Guy's and St. Thomas'

Medical Education & Training Challenges

[00:30-01:25] ABN conference talk on managing sleep disorders for general neurologists
[01:37-02:33] Lack of sleep medicine training in medical education historically
[02:17] Growing research appreciation for sleep's importance in neurological health

Clinical Approach & Referral Guidelines

[02:45-03:38] Diagnostic approaches for different sleep disorders (insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnias)
[03:45-05:52] When GPs should refer patients to sleep clinics
[04:29] Key warning sign: "If somebody is excessively sleepy during the day"

Evolution of Sleep Medicine

[06:13-08:47] Changes in neurological awareness of sleep medicine over recent years
[07:23] Sleep medicine now recognised as multidisciplinary field
[10:23-11:03] Coverage of sleep topics in medical conferences

Personal Journey & Motivation

[08:55-10:14] Professor Leschziner's path into sleep medicine

Clinical Practice Evolution

[11:03-12:45] Holistic patient evaluation and the need for adequate consultation time
[12:56-14:20] Patient collaboration in research and public engagement

COVID-19 Impact

[14:31-16:15] Changes in consultation models (remote vs. face-to-face)
[16:24-17:58] Increased referrals for post-viral fatigue and Long COVID-related sleep disturbances

Genetics & Sleep

[18:13-19:47] Genetic determinants of sleep patterns and disorders
[18:32] Genetics influence chronotype, sleep requirements, and disease risk
[19:00] Gene-environment interactions in sleep disorders

Technology & Sleep Tracking

[19:47-21:46] Benefits and limitations of sleep tracking devices
[20:12] Caution against sleep trackers for insomnia patients
[21:09] Value of objective sleep data in longitudinal research studies

Recent Research & Future Developments

[22:06-23:45] Closed-loop auditory stimulation and sleep architecture manipulation
[23:08-24:26] Revolutionary new treatments for narcolepsy using hypocretin/orexin agonists
[24:14-24:18] Timeline: "Within the next three to five years"

Clinical Assessment Process

[24:41-28:11] Comprehensive overview of sleep clinic diagnostic approach
[25:02] Three main categories: insomnia, hypersomnia, and parasomnias
[27:33] Various diagnostic tests including MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test)

Latest Publication

[28:21-29:04] New book: "Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human"
[28:25] Explores neuroscience of behaviour and free will through patient stories

Key Quotes

"Sleep intersects with pretty much every aspect of neurology" - [11:03]
"We are slaves to our genes, but we're also slaves to our environment" - [19:32]
"We are very poor witnesses to our own sleep" - [21:20]

Notable Insights

Training Gap: Significant lack of sleep medicine education in medical training despite its importance
Referral Criteria: Excessive daytime sleepiness is a key indicator that distinguishes other sleep disorders from insomnia
Multidisciplinary Growth: Sleep medicine has evolved from respiratory-physician-only field to multidisciplinary specialty
Technology Caution: Sleep trackers can be counterproductive for insomnia patients
Future Treatments: Hypocretin/orexin agonists may revolutionize narcolepsy treatment within 3-5 years

Resources Mentioned

ABN (Association of British Neurologists) Sleep Specialist Interest Group
ACNR Sleep Series articles (since 2016), edited by Kirsty Anderson
Professor Leschziner's books: "The Nocturnal Brain" and "Seven Deadly Sins"

Contact Information

ACNR (Advances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation)

Website: ACNR.co.uk
Online Community: forums.acnr.co.uk
Social Media: Follow @ACNR on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram

00:00

29:45

02 June 2025

Handing over the baton - taking the ABN forward

🎙️ ABN leadership in conversation: Reflecting on challenges and looking to the future

Duration: 15 minutes

Guests: Richard Davenport (Outgoing President, ABN) and Neil Robertson (Incoming President, ABN)

Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR

Recorded at: ABN Annual Conference, Liverpool, May 2025

In this handover conversation, recorded live at the ABN’s 2025 Annual Conference in Liverpool, outgoing president Richard Davenport sits down with incoming president Neil Robertson to reflect on a turbulent but transformative few years for the Association of British Neurologists.

Together, they discuss:

The unexpected financial and staffing challenges tackled during Richard’s term
The role of the ABN office and the impact of appointing a new Executive Director
Membership growth and the importance of understanding why 30% of UK neurologists remain outside the organisation
Securing a long-awaited agreement with official journal Practical Neurology
The evolving structure of the ABN, and how it can better support its officers and members
The importance of protecting and promoting academic neurology in the UK

Neil also outlines his priorities as President – from clearer governance and council roles to making ABN membership more accessible, relevant and rewarding.

Whether you're an ABN member or simply interested in the leadership of professional medical organisations, this episode offers a candid and collegial look behind the scenes.

👉 Join the conversation: Continue the discussion with your peers in our online forum at https://forums.acnr.co.uk

Download the transcript

00:00

14:00

19 July 2024

ABN interviews: Emily Linnemann, ABN Executive Director

Interview with Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the ABN

Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR Publisher
Guest: Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the Association of British Neurologists (ABN)

Episode Overview:

In this short interview recorded at the ABN conference in Edinburgh at the end of May, Rachael Hansford interviews Emily Linnemann. Emily has recently taken on the role of Executive Director at the Association of British Neurologists (ABN).

Join us for a conversation that explores the future of the ABN, the importance of community, and the impact of climate change on neurological health.

00:00

10:27

05 June 2023

The genesis of a joint meeting - Richard Davenport and Mary Reilly

ABN President Richard Davenport chats to former President and 2023 ABN Medallist Mary Reilly, who first came up with the idea for a joint ABN/INA meeting in 2017.

00:00

05:05