Patient undergoing a sleep diagnostic study in a sleep lab

Sleep diagnostics

Sleep disorders have a wide variety of causes, but the effects are similar for all sufferers: daytime tiredness, drowsiness and insomnia.
The experts in sleep diagnostics research the necessary findings to correctly categorise and treat a sleep disorder.

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Interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnoea)
Sleep disorders

To correctly categorise the symptoms of a sleep disorder, a sleep medicine differential diagnosis is necessary. In an initial medical consultation, the anamnesis, your doctor will ask for information relevant to sleep (depth of sleep, sleeping habits, any rituals, etc.). In particular, the signs of illness (symptoms) and general medical history will be recorded. Did you know that certain medications can lead to significant sleep disturbances? It is therefore essential for your doctor to be informed about regular medication intake.


Sleep diaries provide information on which events, moods, situations and behaviours influence the quality and duration of sleep. In particular, they also enable the specialist to assess the progression of sleep quality over time. The ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) is routinely used to record daytime sleepiness.

State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment

The Swiss Medical Network works with the latest Nox polysmonography system. This system enables wireless and video-monitored polysomnography. As a result, the sleeping person's freedom of movement is virtually unrestricted. Polysomnography is the «multifaceted measurement of sleep». Sleep (brain wave curves, respiratory parameters, etc.) is continuously recorded. Tiny, completely painless electrodes are attached to the skin for this purpose:

  • on the scalp to record brain waves (EEG, electroencephalogram)
  • at the corners of the eyes to measure eye movements (EOG, electro-oculogram)
  • on the chin and lower legs to record muscle activity (EMG, electromyogram)
  • Bands are attached to the chest (thorax) and abdomen to measure the work of breathing
  • electrodes are attached to the chest wall to measure heart activity (ECG, electrocardiogram)

A portable polygraphy device is usually used to monitor the progress of the respective therapies. Video monitoring or measurement of brain waves is not necessary.

We also have the following examination options at our disposal:

  • Vigilance tests: daytime tests to measure daytime sleepiness/sleepiness (MSLT) or the ability to stay awake in monotonous situations (MWT)
  • Capnometry to measure carbon dioxide (exhaled gas)
  • Actigraphy (wrist sensor) to record periods of rest and activity over 7 to 14 days

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