Myths vs facts: Eisen-Ferritin Selbsttest and sleep

Myths vs. Facts: Iron-Ferritin Self-Test and Sleep **Myth:** An iron-ferritin self-test can reliably tell you if your sleep problems are caused by iron deficiency. **Fact:** Ferritin is a storage protein for iron, but a self-test alone is insufficient to explain sleep disturbances. Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency, which is linked to conditions like Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and disrupted sleep. However, the evidence for a causal link between ferritin and sleep quality in healthy individuals is moderate. Many other factors (stress, hormones, sleep hygiene) play a larger role. Moreover, self-tests are often less accurate than laboratory tests and can be falsely elevated due to inflammation (ferritin is an acute-phase reactant). A medical consultation with a complete blood count and ferritin measurement is necessary for a reliable diagnosis. Supplementation without medical supervision can be harmful in cases of iron overload. The evidence level is therefore human-moderate.