Sleep Lab, Graz Ragnitz Private Hospital

Tests show that approx. 30% of the population in the western world regularly suffer from sleeping disorders – finding it extremely difficult to fall asleep and have adequate, uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. This leads to decreased physical stamina and impaired cognitive capabilities resulting in, among others, lack of concentration or nodding off at the wheel when driving.

Graz Ragnitz Private Hospital boasts a state-of-the-art sleep lab equipped with all the latest in modern technology, which enables us to carry out exhaustive assessments to monitor and diagnose sleeping disorders, especially Sleep Apnoea Syndrome, and to allow for the fine-tuning of the appropriate treatment. Other sleeping disorders are, of course, also diagnosed in our Sleep Lab such as, for example, Restless Legs Syndrome, thus enabling us to refer you on to the neurologist to allow for the fine-tuning of the appropriate treatment.

There is particular indication for assessment in our Sleep Lab when the following conditions are present:

1. Pathological snoring (obstructive sleep apnoea):

Symptoms can include:

Snoring with abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep, observed by partner
Daytime fatigue, impairment of daytime functioning
Hypertension when snoring
Night-time heart problems and arrhythmia when snoring

2. Illness-related sleeping disorders:

e.g. in:

Restless-Legs Syndrome
Internal Illnesses
Night-time asthma/ chronic bronchitis

For further information on our Sleep Lab please contact Hospital Admissions

on +43 316 596-3100.

The Assessment and the Team at the Sleep Lab

After having received a medical diagnosis based on the above-mentioned indications for assessment, you are admitted for your diagnosis and fine-tuning of your treatment, which is carried out during an overnight stay in a comfortable one-bed room.

This one-bed room is also made available to patients with standard two-bedded hospital insurance at no extra charge. With your consent, infrared cameras can be used to continuously monitor all sleep patterns during the assessment and fine-tuning of the appropriate treatment.

Respiratory and circulatory parameters are measured and sleeping patterns analysed by means of a modern polysomnography system (MAP-MEPAL). This system simultaneously records various bodily functions such as brain waves, respiration, heartbeat and muscle tension.

The evaluation of these parameters helps to determine the depth and structure of sleep (REM-sleep and deep-sleep stages, sleep cycle).

On the day after the assessment in the Sleep Lab, a computer-based analysis of the patient’s sleep structure, respiratory parameters and the video recording are all carefully carried out and processed in a comprehensive written report. The referring pulmonologist will receive these findings within 7 days of your initial overnight assessment.

Any further therapy required (i.e. CPAP therapy for Sleep Apnoea Syndrome) is initiated after prompt re-referral by your pulmonologist (for another overnight stay to fine-tune the treatment to suit the patient’s individual needs).

The team comprises of Pulmonologists OA Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber and Dr. Heimo Liendl.

Accreditation

Graz Ragnitz Private Hospital's sleep laboratory was accredited in early 2008 by the Austrian Society of Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine (ASRA). This scientific society sets standards and guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders and daytime alertness. With the accreditation of sleep laboratories, the ASRA aims to promote the quality of these facilities.