Sleep disorders: virtual laboratory for analysis
Whether an early bird or a night owl – everyone needs enough sleep. Seven to nine hours a day are ideal for everyone between the ages of 18 and 65. While the organism slows down during sleep, the brain remains active, processed information and fixed memory contents. Those who regularly sleep too little can often suffer from impaired concentration and attention disorders, the immune system is weakened, and life expectancy can decrease.
According to the psychologist Manuel Schabus from the Laboratory for Sleep and Consciousness Research at the University of Salzburg, at least a quarter of Austrians suffer from sleep disorders: “These are people who say they suffer from being unable to fall asleep regularly, even repeatedly throughout the week cannot sleep through the night or wake up for a short time and feel impaired in everyday life. “
Too long waiting times in clinical sleep laboratories
An analysis in the sleep laboratory can help those affected: brain, eye and muscle activity are measured, as well as the time to fall asleep and wake up. This is how a sleep profile is created. But in clinical sleep laboratories there is often a waiting period of three to four months, says Schabus.
That is why a virtual sleep laboratory has been developed at the University of Salzburg, which is now being used as part of a study, says Schabus: “What we do is more or less wire people to the university and then send people home with an outpatient device . YOU can sleep in your familiar environment and we offer a professional sleep evaluation and evaluate how well you sleep and how you sleep. “
Digital sleep coaching lasting several weeks
Sleep is analyzed at home for three nights, followed by six-week sleep coaching – both are offered free of charge as part of the study. The coaching is based on the individual sleep profile: So how long you need to fall asleep, which sleep phases you go through, how often you wake up during the night.
Sleep coaching is also digital: the treatment modules are available online and can be accessed via smartphone or tablet. Schabus said: “You are always in touch with us. The two contents are basically education – we call it mental hygiene or stroke hygiene, i.e. when do I go to sleep, how long do I sleep, what should I not do before sleep. And then on the other hand, really active instructions such as doing relaxation exercise instructions before sleep or sleep rituals at all. “
Information on the virtual sleep laboratory and coaching can be found online at www.gesunderschlaf.coach. All 30 to 75 year olds with insomnia from the Salzburg area are invited to take part in the study.