Sleep disorders
A sleep disorder is a disorder that disrupts the quality, duration, or pattern of sleep, which can lead to tiredness, difficulty concentrating and a negative impact on daily functioning. They can be caused by stress, medical conditions, neurological disorders, or a disturbed day/night rhythm and often require a personalized treatment approach.
What is it?
When sleep isn't so easy.
More than 100 different forms of sleep disorders have been described. It is usually about insufficient quality sleep, interrupted sleep, inability to sleep (insomnia), but also extreme sleepiness (hypersomnia), breathing disorders (snoring, apnea), disorders due to involuntary movements, sleep paralysis, sleep disorders due to substance abuse (alcohol, coffee, medication,...).
Sleep disorders are divided into two major categories: primary and secondary sleep disorders.
Primary sleep disorders:
These forms are not the result of an underlying disorder or substance abuse.
Psychogenic insomnia: This form mainly occurs during stress. Falling asleep and/or staying asleep is made difficult because the patient is unable to relax.
Pseudo-insomnia: People have the feeling that they are not sleeping well. However, objective tests and measurements at a specialized sleep center show normal sleep cycles.
Restless legs syndrome: As the name suggests, people experience tingling or tickling (ants) in the legs when they are at rest (in bed, watching TV or reading a book,...)
Periodic leg movements: During sleep, the legs make violent, jerking movements. This can take a few minutes to several hours. This is often associated with restless legs syndrome, but it can also occur in isolation. Sleeping is disturbed by the sudden, uncontrollable movements of the legs.
Sometimes both restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements can be a secondary sleep disorder, e.g. in case of uremia, iron deficiency or drug use.
Secondary sleep disorders:
These forms are the result of an underlying disorder or substance abuse.
Common examples include dementia, depression, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, epilepsy, headache, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout syndrome,...
Circadian rhythm disorders: This occurs among people who work in shifts (with night shifts). The well-known jet lag is also a typical example of a disrupted circadian rhythm.
How to treat
When there is a sleep disorder, it is important that it is properly investigated by specialized people in a sleep center.
Drug support can be useful to promote falling asleep and staying asleep, and cognitive behavioral therapy has also proven its worth.
Neuromodulation such as tES or neurofeedback can be an additional addition to existing therapies.
When it comes to a secondary sleep disorder, it is appropriate to treat the underlying problem. Here, too, neuromodulation can play an important role.
Other conditions that we treat
Auditory and vestibular disorders
These disorders are related to hearing and balance and can have a major impact on your daily life.
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Neurological and cognitive disorders
These disorders affect brain function, which can lead to problems with attention, memory, and motor skills.
Mental and emotional disorders
Mental illness can be deeply rooted in neurobiological dysfunctions.
Chronic Pain and Fatigue Syndromes
Chronic pain and fatigue are often difficult to treat with conventional methods, especially when there is no obvious physical cause.
Fatigue syndromes and sleep disorders
Sleep and energy management are essential for brain function. Problems in these areas can lead to severe tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
Headache and facial pain disorders
Headaches and facial pain can result from complex neurological processes.
Ready to take the first step?
Our specialists are here to help you. Find out what treatments are possible or schedule a consultation.