Hans G. Weeß

Bio: Hans G. Weeß is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Guideline & Medicine. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 602 citations.

European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia

Abstract: This European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia was developed by a task force of the European Sleep Research Society, with the aim of providing clinical recommendations for the management of adult patients with insomnia. The guideline is based on a systematic review of relevant meta-analyses published till June 2016. The target audience for this guideline includes all clinicians involved in the management of insomnia, and the target patient population includes adults with chronic insomnia disorder. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system was used to grade the evidence and guide recommendations. The diagnostic procedure for insomnia, and its co-morbidities, should include a clinical interview consisting of a sleep history (sleep habits, sleep environment, work schedules, circadian factors), the use of sleep questionnaires and sleep diaries, questions about somatic and mental health, a physical examination and additional measures if indicated (i.e. blood tests, electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram; strong recommendation, moderate- to high-quality evidence). Polysomnography can be used to evaluate other sleep disorders if suspected (i.e. periodic limb movement disorder, sleep-related breathing disorders), in treatment-resistant insomnia, for professional at-risk populations and when substantial sleep state misperception is suspected (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence). Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults of any age (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence). A pharmacological intervention can be offered if cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is not sufficiently effective or not available. Benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists and some antidepressants are effective in the short-term treatment of insomnia (≤4 weeks; weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence). Antihistamines, antipsychotics, melatonin and phytotherapeutics are not recommended for insomnia treatment (strong to weak recommendations, low- to very-low-quality evidence). Light therapy and exercise need to be further evaluated to judge their usefulness in the treatment of insomnia (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence). Complementary and alternative treatments (e.g. homeopathy, acupuncture) are not recommended for insomnia treatment (weak recommendation, very-low-quality evidence).

Digitale Behandlungsangebote für Insomnie – eine Übersichtsarbeit

Abstract: Digital angebotene psychologische Interventionen gegen Schlafstorungen sind aktuell ein sehr intensiv bearbeitetes Forschungsthema. In dieser Ubersichtsarbeit werden Originalarbeiten und Metaanalysen zu diesem Thema zusammengefasst. Hierbei zeigt sich, dass die internetbasierte kognitive Verhaltenstherapie fur Insomnie (KVT-I) bei Erwachsenen durchweg sehr effektiv ist mit allenfalls leicht geringeren Effektstarken als die gleiche Behandlung mit physischer Prasenz von Therapeuten und Patienten. Behandlungseffekte zeigen sich dabei auch fur sekundare Outcome-Parameter wie Depressivitat, Angst, Fatigue und Lebensqualitat. Hingegen lassen die Forschung zur Wirksamkeit der internetbasierten KVT‑I bei Erwachsenen mit komorbiden psychischen Storungen oder korperlichen Erkrankungen sowie die Forschung zur Frage, wieviel Therapeutenkontakt in die Behandlung integriert werden sollte, anscheinend noch keine abschliesenden Antworten zu. In diesen Bereichen scheint weitere Forschung notwendig zu sein scheint.

Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement bei Schlafstörungen

Abstract: Wer schläft, so die gängige Vorstellung, der arbeitet nicht und ist nicht wettbewerbsfähig. Die Konkurrenz allerdings schläft bekanntlich nicht. Maschinen sind in der Lage, rund um die Uhr zu arbeiten, doch der Mensch zeigt vermeintliche Schwächen und braucht seinen Schlaf. Aus diesem Grunde wurde die Schichtarbeit eingeführt. Aber wie geht man mit den Herausforderungen der Schichtarbeit an einen gesunden Schlaf um?

Short sleep duration and weight gain : a systematic review

Abstract: Objective: The recent obesity epidemic has been accompanied by a parallel growth in chronic sleep deprivation. Physiologic studies suggest sleep deprivation may influence weight through effects on appetite, physical activity, and/or thermoregulation. This work reviews the literature regarding short sleep duration as an independent risk factor for obesity and weight gain.

Dealing with sleep problems during home confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak: Practical recommendations from a task force of the European CBT-I Academy.

Abstract: In the current global home confinement situation due to the COVID-19 outbreak, most individuals are exposed to an unprecedented stressful situation of unknown duration. This may not only increase daytime stress, anxiety and depression levels, but also disrupt sleep. Importantly, because of the fundamental role that sleep plays in emotion regulation, sleep disturbance can have direct consequences upon next day emotional functioning. In this paper, we summarize what is known about the stress-sleep link and confinement as well as effective insomnia treatment. We discuss those effects of the current home confinement situation that can disrupt sleep but also those that could benefit sleep quality. We suggest adaptions of cognitive behavioural therapy elements that are feasible to implement for those facing changed work schedules and requirements, those with health anxiety and those handling childcare and home-schooling, whilst also recognizing the general limitations imposed on physical exercise and social interaction. Managing sleep problems as best as possible during home confinement can limit stress and possibly prevent disruptions of social relationships.

Circadian clocks and insulin resistance

Abstract: Insulin resistance is a main determinant in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The circadian timing system consists of a central brain clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus and various peripheral tissue clocks. The circadian timing system is responsible for the coordination of many daily processes, including the daily rhythm in human glucose metabolism. The central clock regulates food intake, energy expenditure and whole-body insulin sensitivity, and these actions are further fine-tuned by local peripheral clocks. For instance, the peripheral clock in the gut regulates glucose absorption, peripheral clocks in muscle, adipose tissue and liver regulate local insulin sensitivity, and the peripheral clock in the pancreas regulates insulin secretion. Misalignment between different components of the circadian timing system and daily rhythms of sleep-wake behaviour or food intake as a result of genetic, environmental or behavioural factors might be an important contributor to the development of insulin resistance. Specifically, clock gene mutations, exposure to artificial light-dark cycles, disturbed sleep, shift work and social jet lag are factors that might contribute to circadian disruption. Here, we review the physiological links between circadian clocks, glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and present current evidence for a relationship between circadian disruption and insulin resistance. We conclude by proposing several strategies that aim to use chronobiological knowledge to improve human metabolic health.