Sleep Disorders and Circadian Symptoms

The chapter first demonstrates sleep physiology and various parameters for measuring sleep quality. On the basis of these considerations, it is shown that chronic inflammation is associated with sleep problems, which are improved after anti-inflammatory therapy. The cause of sleep problems are nocturnal pain and increased nocturnal inflammation, leading to fragmented sleep and less muscle relaxation, and thus to higher energy expenditure. In old age, sleep becomes fragmented, with psychomotor activation in the context of pain, chronic stress, smoking, and fear/anxiety contributing. In the end, the final result during aging is similar to chronic inflammation; it leads to higher unwanted energy expenditure. These unwanted energy expenditures prevent voluntary energy expenditures during the day through physical and mental activity.