Despite the network’s support, the motion by Councilor of States Damian Müller (24.4057), which called for the inclusion of sleep disorders as part of the national NCD strategy, was rejected. However, we welcome the Federal Council’s willingness to include the topic of sleep in the NCD successor strategy valid from 2029. Given the high health, social, and economic relevance of sleep disorders, we will advocate for the inclusion of this topic in the NCD Strategy 2029ff in the coming months.

Sleep disorders are among the most common health problems and represent a public health challenge. At the 2026 network event, experts from science, politics, and healthcare will discuss current findings and solution approaches. Look forward to the keynote by Dr. Luisa Welter on the burden of sleep disorders in Switzerland, as well as insights into innovative prevention projects: Prof. Dr. Christoph Nissen and Prof. Michael Kaess will present the SLEEPexpert Teens project for early detection and early intervention of chronic sleep disorders in adolescents. Dr. med. Felicia Dutray will present Re-MIND, a project to support refugees in coping with insomnia and nightmare disorders. An interactive workshop also offers the opportunity to actively shape the future priorities of the network. Take the opportunity to network in person!

What we experience during the day continues to occupy our brain at night. In an interview on page 5, Prof. Dr. Björn Rasch explains why stress, thoughts, and expectations affect our sleep more profoundly than many realize. Fascinating insights into the brain’s nocturnal work and practical tips for better sleep.

The secondary school of the Glane district has reported its first positive results following the interdisciplinary “Sleep” project. Particularly encouraging: almost 70% of students state that they are willing to change their sleep habits, at least partially. The project focused on raising awareness of healthy sleep, reflecting on personal habits, and collaborating with families. The results show that raising awareness is a vital first step toward long-term behavioral changes.

With a LinkedIn campaign, the Sleep Network is raising awareness about the importance of sleep for health, prevention, and quality of life.

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has evaluated the evidence on valerian-containing medicines for insomnia, psychological stress, and test anxiety as part of a Health Technology Assessment (HTA). The report concludes that most studies do not demonstrate convincing efficacy. Only for sleep quality were there indications of an advantage over placebo; however, the overall evidence was deemed insufficient. At the same time, the FOPH estimates that the discontinuation of reimbursement would result in savings of over CHF 200 million within five years.

Current data from KidsHealthCH, based among other things on the Swiss Health Survey (SGB), the HBSC study and the Swiss Addiction Monitoring, show an unfavorable development in the sleep of young people: Among 15- to 24-year-olds, the proportion with pathological or moderate sleep disorders has increased significantly since 2017. In 2022, 28% were affected. Girls and young women report sleep disorders more frequently than boys and young men. Among 14- to 15-year-olds, too, the proportion with the recommended sleep duration of at least eight hours is slightly declining.

The Innsbruck Sleep Summit 2026 brings together international experts to explore current developments in sleep medicine from an interdisciplinary perspective. Keynotes by Claudio Bassetti, Diego Golombek, and Carlos Schenck provide insights into neurology, chronobiology, and REM sleep research. The focus is on interdisciplinary exchange and new impulses for the future of sleep medicine.