Schlafprobleme plagen fast zwei Drittel älterer Erwachsener mit kognitiver Gebrechlichkeit. Teilnehmer mit Angstsymptomen hatten ein um 139,3% höheres Risiko für Schlafstörungen als diejenigen ohne. Chronische Angst stört die Stress-Wirkungs-Systeme des Gehirns und stört die Neurotransmitter, die den Schlaf regulieren.

The study, published in BMC Geriatrics, found that 64.40% of surveyed participants with cognitive frailty met criteria for sleep disorders based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. This rate is significantly higher than the estimated global average of 40% for community-dwelling older adults and 26.8% for healthy seniors.

The study revealed geographic differences: older adults with cognitive frailty living in rural areas had a 29.4% lower risk of sleep disorders than those in urban settings. The researchers suggested that this finding may be linked to lower levels of nighttime artificial light, quieter surroundings and regular physical labor in rural areas, all of which support healthier melatonin production and circadian rhythms.

Socioeconomic status also played a role. Individuals from lower-income households had a 41.3% higher risk of sleep problems than those with higher incomes. The investigators cited financial stress, particularly from healthcare costs, as a possible contributor to anxiety and disrupted sleep.

Social engagement offered protection. Compared with those with no social activity, individuals participating 1 to 3 days per week had a 49.3% lower risk of sleep disorders; daily participation was linked to a 39.3% lower risk. Moderate engagement, the researchers suggested, may help ease anxiety, reduce loneliness and reinforce healthy routines.

Mental health was a strong predictor of sleep quality. Participants with anxiety symptoms had a 139.3% higher risk of sleep disorders than those without. The authors explained that chronic anxiety disrupts the brain’s stress-response systems and interferes with neurotransmitters that regulate sleep.

The study recommends developing targeted sleep interventions based on those risk factors, such as education, psychological support and increased access to social programs.

[https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-025-06255-3](https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-025-06255-3)