MAS in Sleep Medicine

Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bern, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of the Università della Svizzera italiana

The Academy of Sleep and Consciousness ASC offers unique postgraduate education which provides advanced medical and scientific insights into sleep medicine.

An international team of specialist lecturers ensure that course subject matter is on the latest scientific knowledge. The course offers a variety of efficient learning methods, such as seminars and remote online learning.

The content of the program is divided in Basic Knowledge, Advanced Knowledge and Specialization. The first part of the program Basic Knowledge contains of four modules and offers a variety of efficient learning methods, such as seminars and over 20 in-depth online lectures in order to support the knowledge transfer and to ensure a stimulating learning environment. The participant’s professional knowledge and experience will constitute part of the teaching and learning process. Building up on part 1, the second part Advanced Knowledge consists of four online modules with over 30 in-depth online lectures. Additionally, the course teaches theoretical and practical skills in Sleep Scoring. The modules of the part Specialization offers more specific learning content depending on the student’s preferences. The specialization topics are: Disorders and Consciousness, Pulmonology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Neurology, Advanced Sleep Scoring, Epilepsy, Insomnia, Narcolepsy. In addition each participant will be able to gain international working experience by completing a 2-4 weeks internship in one of our partner labs all around the world. The MAS Thesis will be the final module in order to complete the full program.

English is the official language of tuition.

Further information: www.asc.unibe.ch

Summary
Degree Master of Advanced Studies in Sleep Medicine (MAS SCD Unibe USI)
Start 03/2025
Length 2025 – 2027
Scope 60 ECTS
Cycle Every 2 years
Flexible entry possible Yes
Single module visitable Yes
Place Online & 2 in-person events in Switzerland / another country in Europe
Language English
Admission The MAS SCD is intended for professionals with a degree in health related disciplines, natural science or engineering who wish to gain an in-depth knowledge of sleep medicine.
Registration until 2025/01/31
Cost CHF 20’000
Organising institutions Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bern, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of the Università della Svizzera italiana
Partner Inselspital Bern, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, European Sleep Foundation
Partnerlogo
Registration

   

The content of the program is divided in Basic Knowledge, Advanced Knowledge and Specialization.

The first part of the program Basic Knowledge contains of four modules and offers a variety of efficient learning methods, such as seminars and over 20 in-depth online lectures in order to support the knowledge transfer and to ensure a stimulating learning environment. The participant’s professional knowledge and experience will constitute part of the teaching and learning process.

Building up on part 1, the second part Advanced Knowledge consists of four online modules with uover 30 in-depth online lectures. Additionally, the course teaches theoretical and practical skills in Sleep Scoring. 

The modules of the part Specialization offers more specific learning content depending on the student’s preferences. In addition each participant will be able to gain international working experience by completing a 2-4 weeks internship in one of our partner labs all around the world. The MAS Thesis will be the final module in order to complete the full program.

English is the official language of tuition.

Basic Knowledge

Module 1: Basics science (self-study)

Provides basic insight into sleep and consciousness in a self-study mode. It analyzes and explains the definition of sleep, sleep regulation, as well as how sleep, vigilance and circadian rhythms can be assessed. In all modules, interactive in-depth courses (such as journal club, webinar, case discussion, FAQ session, etc.) are offered.

Programm

Sleep-wake cycle, consciousness and their disorders: An introduction  C. Bassetti
How is vigilance assessed? R. Khatami
How is sleep assessed? L. Ferini-Strambi
Circadian rhythms and their assessment C. Garbazza
International classification of sleep disorders M. Manconi
Strategies in sleep research A. Adamantidis
Sleep and circadian rhytm M. Schmidt
Sleep regulation P. Luppi
Sleep and digitisation A. Tzovara

This first module will be accessible online.

Duration: 50-60 hours of self-study
Credits: 4 ECTS
Location: Online: self-study
Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

Module 2: Sleep Medicine Summer School

Deepens the basic clinical knowledge on the main sleep disorders and provides further in-depths expertise in managing the diagnosis and treatment of disorders. The Summer School 2025 is the 8th edition of a well consolidated course with great success in the past, formerly known as the Alpine Sleep Summer School and will be held in Spring / early Summer 2025 (city and exact date tba).

The module will combine meet-the-expert-session and theoretical lessons in the mornings with case discussions, and practical exercises in the afternoons.

Courses / Key Topics

  • Physiology and chronobiology
  • Insomnia and circadian disorders
  • Hypersomnia and neurological sleep disorders
  • Movement disorders and parasomnia and epilepsy
  • Respiratory disorder

Duration: 75-90 hours
Credits: 3 ECTS
Location: tba
Exams: Multiple-choice

Module 3: Interdisciplinary Approach (self-study)

Provides additional knowledge into sleep and consciousness in a self-study mode. In all modules, interactive in-depth courses (such as journal club, webinar, case discussion, FAQ session, etc.) are offered.

Programm

Sleep & Athletic Performance H. van Donge / A. Amidi
Sleep and Electromagnetic Fields P. Achermann
Sleep in the first two decades of life L. Tarokh
Effects of Covid-19 on Human Sleep and Chronobiology C. Blume
Sleep and Aging S. Ancoli-Israel
Sleep and the Immune System M.R. Irwin
Sex Differences in Sleep F.C. Baker

This module will be accessible online.

Duration: 50-60 hours of self-study
Credits: 4 ECTS
Location: Online: self-study
Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

Module 4: Sleep Science Winter School

Deepens the understanding of the basic scientific know-how and addresses more advanced scientific topics such as regulation and function of sleep, circadian rhythms of sleep, and methods of sleep/consciousness research.

The lectures seminar will be held in Europe over the course of 4 days.

Courses / Key lectures

  • The regulation of sleep
  • The function of sleep
  • Circadian rhythms
  • Sleep and consciousness
  • Methods in sleep research - basic
  • Methods in sleep research - human

Duration: 50-60 hours
Credits: 3 ECTS
Location: Europe, planned in Q1, 2026
Exams: Multiple choice

 

Advanced Knowledge

Module 5: Basics Science (self-study)

Programm

Network neurophysiology F. Fröhlich
Network physiology-pathology K. Schindler
Network physiology of the sleep wake cycle A. Adamantidis
Genetics of sleep and sleep disorders  M. Tafti
Circadian clocks: mechanisms and functions S. Brown (†)
Sleep across the life span and spieces M. Schmidt
Neurobiology of the consciousness system S. Sarasso
Sleep, epilepsy and chronobiology M. Baud
Animal model of narcolepsy T. Scammel
Animal model of RBD P.H. Luppi

This module will be accessible online.

Duration: 60-70 hours of self-study
Credits: 5 ECTS
Location: Online: self-study
Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

Module 6: Primary Sleep Disorders (self-study)

Programm

Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders C. Garbazza
Sleep-related movement disorders A. Heidbreder
RLS/PLMS: clinical aspects and treatment M. Manconi
Parasomnias and state dissociations L. Nobili
REM parasomnias and treatment P. Bargiotas
Treatment of insomnia: pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approach D. Rieman
Pediatric sleep medicine O. Bruni
Sleep apneas R. Heinzer
OSA treatment: options and complications R. Heinzer
Physiology and phenomenology of dreaming F. Siclari
Pediatric narcolepsy G. Piazzi
Primary central disorders of hypersomnolece I C. Bassetti
Primary central disorders of hypersomnolece II C. Bassetti

This module will be accessible online.

Duration: 60-80 hours of self-study
Credits: 6 ECTS
Location: Online: self-study
Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

Module 7: Objective Sleep Measures (self-study)

Programm

Imaging during slepp (IMRI, PET, NIRS) P. Maquet
Electrical activity during sleep (EEG, HD-EEG, MEG, LFP, Unit recordings) K. Schindler
Objective measurments of sleep in the sleep laboratory P. Pizza
Introduction of sleep scoring A. Castelnovo
Introduction of RemLogic and sleep scoring with RemLogic A. Roussac
Practical study with remote access to RemLogic self-study

This module will be accessible online.

Duration: 40-50 hours of self-study
Credits: 4 ECTS
Location: Online: self-study
Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

 

Specialization 

Module 8: Specialization I

Programm

Latest approaches to automated sleep scoring C. Bassetti
Oscillatory analysis for comatose patient outcome prediction M. De Lucia
Unobtrusive telemonitoring of sleep and daily activities T. Nef
Sleep clock and society T. Roenneberg
Sleep and electromagnetic fields P. Achermann
A history of sleep and sleep research A. Ahlheim
Functions of sleep and clocks T. Roenneberg / C. Robles / M. Schmidt / M. Blumberg / C. Cirelli / S. Aton
Sleep and brain plasticity A. Adamantidis
Circadian clocks, timing metabolism S. Brown (†)

This module will be accessible online.

Duration: 50-60 hours of self-study
Credits: 5 ECTS
Location: online
Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

 

Module 9: Specialization II (choose 3 topics)

Topic 1: Disorders of Consciousness

Coma: definition, anatomy, pahophysiology A. Rossetti
The neurology of consciousness: lessons from neuro-imaging in coma & related S. Laureys

Topic 2: Sleep and Pulmonology

New pathophysiological concepts, phenotyping and clinical implications in obstructive W. Randerath
Definition, epidemiology, clinical presentation & outcome of obesity W. Randerath

Topic 3: Sleep and Psychiatry

Insomnia and mental health D. Rieman
Sleep in patients with mental disorders T. Paunio

Topic 4: Sleep and Pediatrics

Treatment of chronic insomnia in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental O. Bruni
Sleep and circadian rhythmicity in ADHD M. Lecendreux

Topic 5: Sleep and Neurology

Sleep and stroke C. Bassetti
Effect of sleep on CSF Amyloid-Beta B. Lucey
Local sleep and Alzheimer's disease B. Mander
Risk and predictors of dementia and parkinsonism in idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder A. Iranzo
Treatment approaches for sleep disturbances in parkinson disease A. Videnovic

Topic 6: Advanced Sleep Scoring

Sleep, scoring of motor events M. Manconi
Sleep scoring or respiratory events M. Schmidt

Topic 7: Sleep and Epilepsy

Seizure Cycles M. Baud
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE)  L. Nobili
Sleep, oscillations, interictal dischages, and seizures in human focal epilepsy B. Frauscher
High-frequency oscillations in epilepsy and sleep J. Jacobs
Epilepsy, potassium and electric fields F. Fröhlich
Single neuron activity in the human brain P. Mégevand

Topic 8: Insomnia

Definitions, diagnosis and epidemiology D. Riemann
Etiology and pathophysiology: from psychological models to psychobiological concepts D. Riemann
Insomnia and emotion regulation - pathways to psychopathology C. Baglioni
Insomnia treatment - pharmacological options L. Perogamvros
Insomnia treatment - CBT-I first step: Psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, relaxation methods and cognitive therapy K. Spiegelhalder
Insomnia treatment - CBT-I second step: Stimulus control and sleep restriction A. Johann
Beyond CBT-I - acceptance commitment approaches and beyond E. Hertenstein
Using CBT-I in psychiatric conditions C. Nissen
New ways to disseminate CBT-I: eHealth approaches - pro and con T. Berger
Insomnia in general practice S. Duss

Topic 9: Consumer Sleep Technology

Wearable sleep EEG M. Dressler
Public health applications using consumer sleep technology J. Lynn Ong
Wearables and nearables to monitor sleep: from the lab to real-world application O. Gnarra
Biosignals treated for Consumer Health Technology Th. Penzel
State of the Science and Recommendations for Using Wearable Technology in Sleep and Circadian M. de Zambotti
Clinical Applications of Consumer Sleep Technology Nicola Cellini

Topic 10: Narcolepsy

Molecular targets in narcolepsy Ch. Peyron
Pediatric narcolepsy, psychiatric comorbidities and treatments  M. Lecendraux
The immune system and narcolepsy B. Kornum
Autoptic studies in CDH R. Fronczek
Data base approaches in CDH R. Khatami
Treatment adherence in narcolepsy U. Kallweit
Burden of CDH P. Jennum
Patients organizations and narcolepsy L. Sickenga

This first module will be accessible online.

Duration: 50-60 hours of self-study
Credits: 4 ECTS
Location: online
Exams: The examination will consist in multiple-choice questions. Students are required to pass in order to gain access to the next lectures.

Module 10: Practical Work / Internship Sleep Laboratory

Internship in Switzerland or at a Partner University / Sleep Lab for 2 to 4 weeks.

The student defines the goal together with the mentor at the Sleep Lab. For students who can’t travel for their internship, there is the opportunity to propose a practical project at their local university or lab.

Duration: 2-4 weeks
Credits: 4 ECTS
Location: Switzerland / Partner University / Sleep Lab
Exams: Report of Internship

Module 11: MAS Thesis

Consists in 375–450 hours (15 ECTS) dedicated to research and writing a MAS thesis. A pool of topics and mentors will be provided to the students; nevertheless, every student is free to choose a topic and a specialist in the field of sleep medicine, subject to approval by the MAS program lead.

Duration: 375-450 hours of self-study
Credits: 15 ECTS
Location: Self-study
Exams: MAS Thesis

Module 12: Transferrable Skills

Healthcare Leadership Training

Duration: 40-50 hours of self-study
Credits: 3 ECTS
Location: Live virtual course
Exams: TBC

Organising Institutions

Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bern,

Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of the Università della Svizzera italiana

Faculty and Scientific Board

The faculty members have extensive experience in academic teaching and knowledge of best practices in the fields of sleep medicine/research, consciousness and related disorders.

Their diverse international backgrounds are a key ingredient of the program’s dynamic environment.

Local Faculty

  • Prof. Antoine Adamantidis
  • Dr. med. Panagiotis Bargiotas
  • Prof. Claudio Bassetti
  • Dr. med. Anna Castelnovo
  • Dr. med. Corrado Garbazza
  • Prof. Mauro Manconi
  • Prof. Kaspar Schindler
  • Dr. med. Frédéric Zubler
  • Dr. Albrecht Vorster

 

  1.  In addition to professional experience, following requirements shall be met for the admission 
    • a higher degree at Master’s level in medicine or psychology,
    • b higher degree at Bachelor’s level or higher in the field of health sciences,
    • c higher degree at Master’s level in the field of sciences or engineering   
  2. For above items b and c the Academic Program Committee may decide on further conditions for the admission in order to make sure that the program will be completed successfully.  
  3. The Academic Program Committee may grant exceptions “sur dossier” in the admission. For candidates without higher degree or practical experience the Academic Program Committee may decide on further admission requirements in order to make sure that the program will be completed successfully.   
  4. It is possible to participate in individual modules, provided that there are still places available.   
  5. Upon request of the Program coordinators, the Academic Program Committee decides on the admission to the programs. No claim can be made on the admission.

To register for the program in Sleep Medicine, please fill in the online application form

Application deadline for the MAS in Sleep Medicine: January 31, 2025.

The total tuition fees for the program: CHF20'000

Tuition includes:

  • Online teaching and class activities
  • Internship in one of our partner universitiy labs (excl travel and accomodation)
  • Lecture materials (excluding books)
  • Registration and exam fees
  • Participation at the seminars: Sleep Science Winter School and Sleep Medicine Summer School

Travel and accommodation for the seminars are not included in the tuition fee and have to be organized and paid individually.

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