Treatment of sleep disorders
The treatment chosen depends on the cause. Possible treatment options are medication, breathing aids, psychological support, parenting advice and lifestyle advice.
Medication
This may include medicine to improve (the quality of) sleep or to prevent sleepiness during the day.
Breathing aids at night
There are various ways to keep the airways open during sleep in patients with a breathing-related sleep disorder. Use may be made of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, i.e. respiratory equipment), a mandibular repositioning device (MRD, also called a snoring mouthpiece) or postural therapy.
Psychological support
Cognitive behavioural therapy, a type of psychological assistance, is mainly used in patients with insomnia. You will receive practical advice and learn to deal with your sleep-wake problems. The therapy consists of a number of sessions with a psychologist.
Parenting advice
Sometimes sleep disorders in children are caused by the interaction between the parent and the child. Parents are offered help and practical advice and they learn to handle their child differently.
Lifestyle advice
Nearly all sleep-wake disorders are affected by lifestyle. In a number of sessions you are given advice on how to adjust your lifestyle in order to improve your sleep and waking periods.
After the treatment
In about 70-80% of the patients the treatment is successful. If the patient and the sleep team are satisfied with the results, the treatment at the SEIN Sleep-Wake Centre stops and the patient is referred back to their GP or specialist.
Referral needed
If you live in the Netherlands, you require a referral from a neurologist or GP to come to SEIN for treatment or a second opinion.
Patients from abroad
Patients from abroad who come for a second opinion to SEIN do not necessarily need a referral from their neurologist or GP, although this is preferred. More information for patients from abroad.
