Medicalization of Sleep Problems in an Aging Population: A Longitudinal Cross-National Study of Medication Use for Sleep Problems in Older European Adults

Abstract

Objective: The association between age and sleep problems is considered to be positive, and medication use is a common health care intervention among older individuals. Because daytime consequences are often stated as a reason to seek care, we study to what extent the medicalization of sleep problems is found in an aging European population, with a focus on daily activities. Method: Data from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe are used in three-level, generalized linear mixed models. Medicalization is operationalized as the use of medication for sleep problems at least once per week. Results: Men are more likely than women to use medication for sleep problems, and the process of aging is associated with a decrease in medicalization.

Psychosocial Predictors of Sleep Quality in Residents of Nursing Homes

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