Inpatient treatment of chronic sleep disorders (Insomnia)
For chronic difficulties with falling asleep and staying asleep (medical term: insomnia), we offer a 14-day inpatient treatment programme. This is a psychotherapeutic intervention which, according to clinical guidelines, is considered a first-line treatment for this sleep disorder. It also aims to reduce the risk of developing associated mental health conditions such as depression, dependence on sleep medication or alcohol. Although sleeping tablets are recommended only for short-term treatment of acute sleep problems, they are often used for longer periods in practice.
As part of the therapy, patients receive detailed information about sleep, including how insomnia develops and is maintained. Unhelpful sleep-related thoughts and behaviours are identified and addressed. To increase sleep pressure, time spent in bed is restricted, and relaxation techniques are taught to help reduce stress. In addition, in collaboration with the Centre for Chronobiology, a comprehensive chronomedical assessment is carried out, taking into account factors such as shift work, chronotype, light exposure and melatonin rhythms.
Treatment is provided on an inpatient basis to allow closer monitoring and facilitate faster therapeutic progress. This is also because sleep restriction, although highly effective, can be challenging during the initial phase.
For acute mental health conditions requiring immediate treatment, including: withdrawal from sleep medication, depression, chronic pain, or anxiety, we refer patients to the relevant specialist services offered by UPK Basel.
Referral for an initial consultation is made via your GP or psychiatrist to the secretariat of the sleep outpatient clinic (Tel. +41 61 325 50 97 or schlaf@upk.ch).