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

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.

DISCUSSION: Sleep problems seem to be medicalized particularly when they prevent aging individuals from engaging in work-related responsibilities, as medication is especially used by employed individuals with sleep problems.