Questions people ask about Schlaf Senioren

Sleep disturbances in older adults are common but not inevitable. Aging brings changes in sleep architecture: less deep sleep, reduced melatonin production, and more fragmented sleep. Many seniors wake up more often at night and sleep fewer total hours. These changes are physiological, but can be worsened by medical conditions (e.g., sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, pain) or medications. DNA tests for sleep-related genes (e.g., CLOCK, PER) have limited predictive power and are not recommended for routine diagnosis. Evidence-based measures include: consistent sleep schedule, avoiding afternoon caffeine, getting daylight exposure, regular exercise, and a cool, dark bedroom. Melatonin supplements may help short-term, but long-term evidence is mixed. For persistent problems, a doctor should evaluate for disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia. Evidence is strong for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and moderate for melatonin in delayed sleep phase. None of the mentioned genetic tests are clinically established.