Evidence check: Ferritin Eisenmangel in the context of Schlaf

Ferritin is a storage protein for iron, and low ferritin indicates iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can impair sleep, particularly through Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or reduced oxygen delivery. However, a single ferritin measurement without other clinical parameters (e.g., hemoglobin, transferrin saturation) is insufficient to diagnose a sleep disorder. The evidence for a direct causal link between ferritin and sleep quality is mostly mechanistic and based on observational studies. Consumer tests like MyBody-X often measure ferritin in blood, but interpretation should always be done by a physician, as many factors (inflammation, time of day, diet) affect the value. An isolated low ferritin without symptoms does not justify self-treatment. For sleep issues with suspected iron deficiency, a full iron panel and medical evaluation are recommended.