Debrecen4U
July 9, 2026
New Sleep Laboratory Established at University of Debrecen’s Pulmonology Clinic
The University of Debrecen’s new Sleep Medicine Outpatient Clinic provides modern diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, primarily obstructive sleep apnoea. Created at the Clinical Centre’s Pulmonology Clinic, the five-bed unit enables patients’ overnight sleep to be monitored using state-of-the-art equipment. Based on the results, personalised treatment for sleep disorders can then begin, the institution announced.
During obstructive sleep apnoea, the airways become temporarily blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing, oxygen deprivation and frequent awakenings. The condition is particularly common among overweight patients and those suffering from chronic lung diseases, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
“Sleep apnoea episodes are periods during the night when a person temporarily stops breathing, depriving the body of oxygen and causing blood oxygen levels to fall significantly. The brain detects this and briefly wakes the sleeper, but because this can happen repeatedly throughout the night, it may result in severe sleep deprivation. At the Pulmonology Clinic, we treat many patients, predominantly those who are overweight, who suffer from both COPD and sleep disorders. This is especially dangerous because patients with COPD already have impaired oxygen uptake, which sleep apnoea further worsens due to repeated breathing interruptions during the night. This has a detrimental effect on the body’s overall oxygen supply as well as the restorative sleep required for recovery,” explained Ildikó Horváth, Professor and Director of the Pulmonology Clinic at the Clinical Centre of the University of Debrecen.
The new Sleep Medicine Outpatient Clinic has been established at the Pulmonology Clinic to investigate and treat sleep disorders. Patients are admitted by appointment, spend one night in the laboratory, and undergo the necessary examinations while they sleep. “During the overnight examination, we monitor brain activity, breathing, blood oxygen levels and sleep quality using a range of sensors. Based on the findings, we establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment, which may involve lifestyle changes, surgical intervention such as tonsil removal, or the use of a specialised breathing support device. With continued use, this device can eliminate the symptoms over time,” added Ildikó Horváth.
As part of the investment, modern monitoring systems and sensors were acquired, and the necessary IT infrastructure was established to support their operation. “With the establishment of the new Sleep Medicine Outpatient Clinic, the Clinical Centre of the University of Debrecen has further expanded its high-quality diagnostic services supporting comprehensive patient care. The modern sleep laboratory enables patients with sleep disorders to receive comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment, significantly improving both their quality of life and overall health. The management of the Clinical Centre considers the development of pulmonary medicine and the adoption of the latest technologies to be strategic priorities, ensuring that the region’s population has access to diagnostic and treatment services of a European standard,” emphasised Professor Zoltán Szabó, President of the Clinical Centre.
The new unit was officially inaugurated on Wednesday during a presidential visit, in the presence of the leadership of the Clinical Centre and the Pulmonology Clinic.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Debrecen városa (Facebook)
