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Sleep centre

In the sleep centre, adults and children can receive diagnosis and treatment for all sleep and wake disorders, as well as home ventilation.

This ward brings together doctors and staff from the fields of pulmonology, psychology, ENT, neurology and dentistry.

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Contact

Can’t make it? Please let us know in good time

Can’t attend your appointment or sleep study? Please notify the sleep centre as soon as possible (at least 48 hours in advance) on 016 34 25 20.

Consultation

Address

UZ Leuven gasthuisberg campus
Slaapcentrum
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Directions and services

Location and accessibility

View the full map

Parking

  • The designated car park for this department is parking Oost.
How much does parking cost?

Safety notice for Philips magnetic masks

We received a safety notice from manufacturer Philips regarding masks with magnetic closures used in the treatment of sleep apnoea. The magnets may potentially interact with metal objects or medical devices in the body.

If you or someone close to you (e.g. family members or close caregivers) has a metal implant or another metal object in their body, it is advised to stop using the mask and have it replaced as soon as possible with a type that contains no magnets.

Read more about this safety notice

Issues with Philips CPAP devices and ventilators

We received a safety notice from manufacturer Philips concerning various CPAP devices and ventilators, which we use in the sleep lab at UZ Leuven to treat respiratory problems and sleep apnoea.

We will contact you directly if any action is required for your device.

Read more about these issues

The importance of a healthy sleep pattern

Sleep is important for physical and mental recovery. One bad night of sleep is usually not a problem. However, if sleep problems persist over time, they can negatively affect daily functioning. Read more about what normal sleep looks like, why we sleep, and how the ideal sleep pattern differs from person to person.

Sleep: why and how do we sleep?

Initial consultation

The examination of sleep and wake disorders starts with a consultation with one of our specialists. You can book this appointment yourself. Based on a few questions about your sleep or wake issues, you will be referred to the most suitable specialist.

You may also be referred directly by a medical specialist for a polysomnography.

Examinations and diagnosis

If necessary, several additional examinations will be carried out after the initial consultation. These may take place via day admission or in combination with a polysomnography (sleep study). For a polysomnography, you will stay one night in hospital.

Questionnaire

You will complete several questionnaires about your sleep, current state of health and lifestyle.

Sleep diary

You will keep a sleep diary for a certain period.

Activity monitor

You will receive an electronic wristband to wear for a few days that will monitor your activity level.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A recording of the heart that measures and registers the electrical activity of the heart.

Pulmonary function tests

A series of tests to assess the functional limitations of your lungs, such as spirometry, diffusion testing, arterial puncture, 6-minute walk test, and more.

Polysomnography

Examination of your sleep structure and how you breathe at night to identify the cause of your fatigue, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, snoring, breathing pauses or night-time movements.

Transcutaneous capnography

Measurement of CO₂ in the blood to assess the quality of breathing. This examination takes place at the sleep centre.

Sleep study in children

How does a polysomnography work in children? As a parent, can you stay overnight? And what should you bring? Discover the illustrated story ‘Juna in the sleep lab’ together with your child.

Sleep study in children

During a sleep study or polysomnography, various body functions and the child’s activity are measured while they sleep. For this, the child stays one night in the hospital (sleep centre).

Overview of sleep and wake disorders

Insomnia

You have great difficulty falling asleep and often wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning. This is often accompanied during the day by fatigue, irritability, headaches and concentration problems.

Narcolepsy

General drowsiness, sometimes with an irresistible urge to fall asleep.

Parasomnia

Abnormal behaviours or phenomena during sleep, such as anxiety attacks, sleepwalking, vivid dreams or nightmares, talking in your sleep, teeth grinding, sleep starts...

Restless legs syndrome

Uncontrollable urge to move your legs due to an unpleasant tingling sensation while sitting or lying down.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep disorder in which you literally receive no air for at least 10 seconds during sleep (a = without, pnoea = air) or your breathing is severely reduced.

Treatment with CPAP therapy

CPAP therapy

Treatment for sleep apnoea using a device that continuously blows air into your airways at night. The continuous positive airway pressure keeps your mouth and throat open, allowing you to breathe normally during sleep.

The CPAP device

A CPAP device is an electric unit with an integrated compressor and pressure control, connected via an air tube to a mask and headgear. A heated humidifier may optionally be attached. Read more about how the components work, how to maintain them, and key points to keep in mind when using the device.

CPAP convention

Patients with severe sleep apnoea who are affiliated with a Belgian health insurance fund are entitled to partial reimbursement for their CPAP treatment. The hospital handles the reimbursement application.

Possible problems or complaints during your CPAP therapy

A CPAP treatment has no side effects. However, problems or discomfort may occur, such as a blocked or runny nose, issues with your mask or claustrophobia.

Treatment with home ventilation

Home ventilation

Treatment for patients who cannot breathe on their own or not deeply enough, for example due to a neuromuscular disorder, obesity, a body deformity (particularly of the spine or chest), or a congenital condition (mainly in children).

The ventilator

How do you use and maintain the ventilator, the optional humidifier and the tubing system for home ventilation? Which alarm signals can you try to resolve yourself?

The suction device, tracheal cannula and oxygen therapy

Patients who require home ventilation may also experience additional difficulties. In some cases, a suction device, tracheal cannula (tube in the windpipe), or additional oxygen therapy may be required.

Visiting hours

  • Visits are allowed every day from 08:00 to 20:00.

    • Please note that due to the short duration of admission and scheduled tests and check-ups, there is little time for visits.
    • The ward often makes individual arrangements with the patient and their loved ones when the presence of a visitor is useful (e.g. during key information sessions or education about the treatment).

  • In certain cases, one relative may stay overnight with the patient (rooming-in):

    • If the patient is admitted for more than one night to start home ventilation/CPAP therapy (e.g. patients with neuromuscular disorders).
    • If the patient is physically and/or mentally under 12 years old. In that case, a parent or trusted adult must stay overnight.

  • Turn off your mobile phone before entering the ward.

  • Do not come for a visit if you are unwell yourself.

  • Please respect our house rules.
Last edit: 7 august 2025