Diagnosis
Precise medical history as well as gradual clarification of possible causes are of great importance for diagnosis and treatment.
Before the sleep laboratory, an actometer is often used, which worn on the wrist for 2 weeks like a wristwatch. It detects the duration of sleep and the sleep-wake rhythm of the patient and thus gives us more insight into possible causes of the sleep disorder. This is followed by an examination in the sleep laboratory (polysomnography) and, if necessary, a further one-day examination on the following day (multiple sleep latency test).
Treatment options
The findings of the investigations as well as possible forms of therapy are discussed in detail with the patient.
On the one hand, this may be a change of bedtime or the use of light therapy. On the other hand, there are also complaints that are disease-related and require medical treatment. In addition, behavioral therapy with slowly building up physical training can also be considered the most promising treatment, especially if, for example, it is a case of chronic fatigue syndrome.