FOPH publishes HTA report on valerian
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.
Sleep Network at the Health Day for Parliamentarians
At the Health Day for members of the Swiss Parliament, the Sleep Network provided information on the importance of sleep for health, prevention, and economic costs. The discussions showed the growing interest in sleep as a health and socio-political issue.
Our newly developed fact sheets on sleep and sleep health were made available to participants and met with interest. The fact sheets are now available for download on our website.
Sleep Disorders as a New Component of the National NCD Strategy
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.
National Council Rejects Motion to Integrate Sleep into the Current NCD Strategy
With 119 votes to 63 and 10 abstentions, the National Council rejected the motion by Council of States member Müller to integrate sleep into Switzerland’s current NCD health strategy. In response to a question from NR Lohr about including the topic of sleep in the next health strategy in 2029, Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider replied, among other things, that this would have to be decided together with the cantons and Health Promotion Switzerland. She was confident that it would be accepted. The Sleep Network continues to advocate for the integration of sleep into the NCD strategy.