Sleep disorders
Diagnosis & Treatment
in Hanover & throughout Germany
Specialized help for sleep disorders & their causes
Sleep disorders affect far more than just nighttime rest. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, early awakening, as well as non-restorative sleep can, over the long term, lead to fatigue, concentration problems, and a significantly reduced quality of life. In our specialist medical practice, we offer sleep diagnostics and individually tailored treatment concepts to specifically identify the causes of your sleep disorders and sustainably improve your sleep quality.
What are sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders (insomnia) are persistent problems with falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, or the feeling of not being refreshed in the morning despite getting enough sleep. They are among the most common health complaints in Germany and can lead to fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, and reduced performance.
The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Sleep Disorders
Acute sleep disorders often occur during stressful life periods, such as stress, family problems, or work-related worries, and usually last only a few days to weeks.
A chronic sleep disorder is present when symptoms occur at least three nights per week over a period of more than three months. Chronic sleep disorders can significantly affect both mental and physical health and should be treated by a medical specialist.
Living with Chronic Sleep Disorders
Chronic sleep disorders should be taken seriously, as they can be associated with the following consequences:
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders
- Reduced performance
- Concentration and memory problems
- Increased irritability
- More mistakes in everyday life and at work
- Higher risk of cardiovascular diseases
At the same time, many people develop the concern that they will “never be able to sleep properly again,” which can further worsen sleep problems. With targeted diagnostics and individualized treatment, chronic sleep disorders can often be significantly improved. In Germany, the current evidence-based S3 guidelines recommend various scientifically grounded therapeutic approaches as key treatment options for chronic insomnia. Further information is available in the official AWMF S3 guideline “Insomnia in Adults”: AWMF S3 Guideline on Insomnia.
Types of sleep disorders
1. Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep are among the most common forms of sleep problems in Germany and are characterized by trouble falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings. Affected individuals often feel unrefreshed in the morning and very tired during the day.
2. Early morning awakening
In early morning awakening, affected individuals wake up significantly earlier than their desired wake-up time and are unable to fall asleep again. This symptom often occurs in connection with stress or depression.
3. Non-restorative sleep
Non-restorative sleep means that although the duration of sleep is sufficient, it does not provide adequate recovery. Affected individuals often report fatigue, concentration problems, and reduced performance during the day.
4. Sleep–wake rhythm disorders
Sleep–wake rhythm disorders occur when the internal biological clock becomes misaligned, for example due to shift work or irregular sleep schedules. This leads to difficulty falling asleep and significant daytime fatigue.
5. Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a physical sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Typical symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, and pronounced daytime sleepiness.
6. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
In Restless Legs Syndrome, unpleasant sensations occur in the legs, mainly during rest. This often leads to difficulty falling asleep and significantly disturbed sleep.
7. Parasomnias (e.g., sleepwalking, nightmares)
Parasomnias include unusual behaviors during sleep such as sleepwalking, nightmares, or sudden nighttime awakenings. They can significantly disrupt sleep and markedly reduce sleep quality.
Causes of Sleep Disorders
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
1. Nighttime Symptoms
Those affected often experience prolonged rumination when trying to fall asleep, repeated awakenings during the night, or unusually early morning awakening, often accompanied by inner restlessness.
2. Fatigue and Exhaustion
Despite spending enough time in bed, patients often feel mentally and physically drained during the day, which frequently leads to a strong urge to take a nap or a general loss of vitality.
3. Concentration Problems
Chronic sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance, which becomes noticeable through a reduced attention span, forgetfulness, and slower reaction times in daily life.
4. Physical Accompanying Symptoms and Psychosomatic Effects
Sleep deprivation reduces emotional resilience, causing affected individuals to react more irritably, become more sensitive, or show an increased tendency toward depressive moods and anxiety.
5. Decline in Performance at Work and in Daily Life
The combination of symptoms often makes daily tasks more difficult, increases the error rate at work, and leads to a growing tendency to avoid social activities due to a lack of energy.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
🟢 Recognizing Early Warning Signs
🟡 Early treatment improves the chances of recovery
🔴 Taking Suicidal Thoughts and Psychological Crises Seriously
🟢 Recognizing Early Warning Signs
If the symptoms persist for more than four weeks or even worsen, this is a clear indication that the condition cannot be managed on one’s own and that professional support is necessary.
🟡 Early treatment improves the chances of recovery
Do not wait until the symptoms severely affect your quality of life or even lead to thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
A timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce relapses and sustainably improve quality of life.
🔴 Taking Suicidal Thoughts and Psychological Crises Seriously
Gedanken an Selbstverletzung/Fremdverletzung, tiefe Hoffnungslosigkeit oder den Tod sind akute Warnsignale und erfordern sofortige professionelle Hilfe(Notfall).
Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, deep hopelessness, or thoughts about death are acute warning signs and require immediate professional help (emergency care).
Diagnosis & Treatment of Sleep Disorders in Our Practice
📋 Diagnostics
Initial consultation and psychiatric sleep history
Diagnostic criteria according to ICD-11
- Exclusion of other mental and physical disorders
- Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic assessment
🩺 Treatment
Individualized treatment planning
Evidence-based treatment according to current clinical guidelines
psychodynamic psychotherapy
Confidential and discreet care
Medication-based treatment when needed
Treatment of underlying mental health conditions
Sleep hygiene
Stimulus control
Sleep restriction
💻 Telemedicine Practice
Treatment of Sleep Disorders from Home
Long journeys to the practice, crowded waiting rooms, and tightly scheduled appointments are often an additional burden for people with sleep disorders.
Our telemedicine practice enables diagnosis and treatment through video consultations – flexible, location-independent, and without waiting lists
🎥 Learn more about video consultations
Secure · Confidential · Accessible from anywhere
Self-Help for Sleep Disorders
- Establish consistent sleep schedules and calming evening routines
- Coping with rumination and inner restlessness
- Optimize the sleep environment
- Exercise and daily structure
- Actively reduce stress
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine
- Reduce digital media use in the evening
- Healthy diet and light evening meals
These self-help strategies do not replace specialist medical or psychotherapeutic treatment, but are intended as additional support in everyday life. In combination with professional treatment, they can help make daily life easier and support long-term personal well-being.
Seek Professional Help
The first step is the most courageous. We support you on your individual path toward greater clarity, structure, and quality of life — confidentially, competently, and with empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Disorders
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about sleep disorders
How many hours of sleep does an adult need?
Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to remain physically and mentally fit. However, what matters most is not only the duration, but especially the quality of sleep and whether you feel rested during the day.
Are sleep medications useful?
Sleep medications can provide short-term relief in acute situations, but they should not be used as a long-term solution for sleep disorders. In cases of chronic sleep problems, cause-oriented treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) are significantly more effective and sustainable.
What helps immediately with acute sleep disorders?
For acute sleep disorders, simple measures can provide short-term relief, such as calm breathing exercises, leaving the bed after prolonged wakefulness, or following a relaxing evening routine. Avoiding screen light and caffeine in the evening can also significantly ease falling asleep, especially in stress-related sleep problems.
Can sleep disorders resolve on their own?
Yes, acute sleep disorders often resolve on their own once the triggering stress or burden subsides. However, if sleep problems persist or become chronic, targeted treatment should be initiated to prevent long-term consequences such as exhaustion or psychological distress.