[Somnology - what is of importance for the ENT-specialist? An overview on the current guidelines in sleep medicine].

The somnology occupies a firm place in medical care of the ENT physician. The S3 guideline "non-restorative sleep/sleep" defines the standards in diagnosis and therapy. Among the sleep-disordered breathing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is the most common sleep breathing disorder among those aged 30-60 years. The diagnostics is based on a stepwise approach by ambulatory polygraphy and subsequent inpatient polysomnography. Depending on the focus degree of OSA and symptoms of the patient various treatment options surgical and conservative for the ENT specialist are available today. The superior form of therapy for all severities of OSA remains the non-invasive nocturnal airway pressure (CPAP). Detailed knowledge of sleep medicine is essential for differential diagnosis and the correct treatment decision. An interdisciplinary collaboration with a neurologist, pediatrician or pulmonologist should be included in more complex cases.