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.

Publication year:2018

Accessibility:Open