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.
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.
Sleep Disorders are not yet Part of the National NCD Strategy 2025 – 2028
The Federal Council was commissioned to add sleep disorders to the National Strategy for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) as quickly as possible. In its statement, the Federal Council unfortunately rejected this. A possible inclusion of the topic of sleep will not be discussed until 2029.
Report on the Significance of Chronic Insomnia
In this interpellation, the Federal Council is tasked with outlining, in a report, the significance of chronic insomnia for the healthcare system, the national economy, and society. The report should clarify Switzerland’s position regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and reduction of the negative consequences of chronic insomnia. The Federal Council acknowledges the importance of the topic but sees no added value in such a report and therefore rejects the request.
Sedatives and Sleep-Inducing Drugs. Is Action Required?
The interpellation notes that the long-term prescription of benzodiazepines/Z-drugs for sleep disorders such as insomnia is problematic. It is proposed to counteract this practice and prefer other options for longer therapies.
Economic Dimension of Chronic Insomnia
The interpellation asks the Federal Council questions about the economic consequences as well as the early detection and treatment of chronic insomnia.
Chronic Sleep Disorders
The interpellation by NC Weichelt (23.4264) entitled “Chronic Sleep Disorders” criticizes the fact that the topic of sleep is not included in the strategy on non-communicable diseases (NCD). In its response, the Federal Council acknowledges the importance of the topic and sees the establishment of the network and the strengthening of self-management as solutions. It does not (yet) explicitly recognize sleep problems as a risk factor in the development of NCDs.