Royal Brompton Hospital Sleep Centre - London, UK

About Royal Brompton Hospital Centre for Sleep

Royal Brompton Hospital has been diagnosing and treating adult patients with sleep disorders for over 20 years, operating Europe's largest sleep and ventilation service. The hospital has an international reputation for excellence in sleep medicine and pioneering work in domiciliary ventilation (providing respiratory support at home).

The Centre for Sleep is led by Professor Michael Polkey, a renowned consultant in respiratory medicine. The team includes Dr Matthew Hind, Dr Alanna Hare, and Dr Shruthi Konda, all specialists in sleep and ventilation medicine. The centre also operates a dedicated children's sleep and ventilation unit.

Royal Brompton Hospital is now part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. This merger has enhanced the hospital's capabilities while maintaining its world-class reputation for respiratory and sleep medicine.

The hospital accepts both NHS patients (free at point of care for UK residents) and private patients, with comprehensive long-term telephone and email support provided to all patients using CPAP and ventilation equipment.

Why Choose Royal Brompton for Sleep Apnea?

Europe's Largest Centre

The largest sleep and ventilation service in Europe with unmatched experience

Pioneering Research

Active research programme for respiratory and neuromuscular conditions

World-Class Team

Led by Professor Michael Polkey with specialist consultants

Home Ventilation Pioneer

Pioneered domiciliary ventilation for 1,600+ patients

Conditions Treated

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Comprehensive diagnosis and CPAP therapy with long-term support

Central Sleep Apnoea

Advanced diagnostics for breathing irregularities during sleep

Narcolepsy

Diagnosis and management of excessive daytime sleepiness

Restless Leg Syndrome

Assessment and treatment for sleep-disrupting movement disorders

REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder

Specialist care for acting out dreams during sleep

Nocturnal Hypoventilation

Non-invasive ventilation for under-breathing during sleep

Parasomnias

Treatment for sleepwalking, night terrors, and related disorders

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Management of body clock disruptions affecting sleep

Diagnostic Services

Respiratory Sleep Studies

State-of-the-art overnight monitoring in purpose-built sleep facilities with studies analysed by highly experienced specialists.

Detailed Polysomnography

Comprehensive overnight sleep study monitoring brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, and breathing patterns.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

Daytime test measuring how quickly you fall asleep, used to diagnose narcolepsy and assess daytime sleepiness.

Osler Wake Test

Objective assessment of ability to stay awake, often used for driving assessments and medication effectiveness.

Actigraphy

Wearable device monitoring sleep-wake activity patterns over extended periods at home.

Home Sleep Studies

Portable monitoring equipment for sleep studies in the comfort of your own home.

Treatment Options

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy with comprehensive setup, mask fitting, and long-term telephone/email support. CPAP quickly reverses effects of OSA, improving sleep quality and daytime energy.

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)

Pioneering home ventilation therapy for patients with neuromuscular conditions, COPD, and chest wall disorders. Small portable ventilators extend survival and improve quality of life.

Medication Management

Pharmacological treatments for narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and other sleep disorders requiring medication.

ENT Collaboration

Close collaboration with ear, nose and throat surgeons to assess upper airway problems and surgical options for snoring and sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Modification

Guidance on weight management, sleep hygiene, positional therapy, and other lifestyle changes to improve sleep quality.

Key Specialists

Professor Michael Polkey

Lead Consultant, Respiratory Medicine

Professor Polkey leads the Centre for Sleep at Royal Brompton Hospital with extensive experience in sleep disorders and respiratory medicine.

Dr Matthew Hind

Sleep and Ventilation Consultant

Specialist in sleep medicine with expertise in non-invasive ventilation and complex sleep disorders.

Dr Alanna Hare

Sleep and Ventilation Consultant

Experienced consultant in sleep and ventilation medicine with research interests in sleep-disordered breathing.

Dr Shruthi Konda

Sleep and Ventilation Consultant

Specialist consultant providing comprehensive care for sleep disorders and respiratory conditions requiring ventilation.

Debbie Field

Consultant Nurse

Lead nurse for the sleep and ventilation outreach team, providing expert nursing care and patient support.

Frequently Asked Questions

NHS patients need a referral from their GP or another hospital consultant. Private patients can self-refer or be referred by their GP. Contact the sleep secretaries on 020 7352 8121 for guidance on the referral process.

You'll arrive in the evening and be set up with monitoring equipment by a technician. The rooms are comfortable and designed to help you sleep naturally. Sensors monitor your brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, and movements. Results are analysed by our experienced team and discussed at a follow-up appointment.

Yes, Royal Brompton Hospital provides comprehensive NHS sleep services free at point of care for UK residents with appropriate referrals. CPAP equipment and ongoing support are provided as part of NHS care. Private services are also available for faster access or international patients.

All patients are provided with long-term telephone and email access to the sleep team. This includes help with equipment issues, mask fitting problems, and general support for CPAP therapy. The technical support team is available Monday to Friday for equipment queries.

Yes, Royal Brompton has a dedicated children's sleep and ventilation unit with specialized facilities for paediatric sleep studies. The unit provides comprehensive care for children with sleep disorders and those requiring ventilation support.