Geriatrics: sleep disorders and aging

Article Abstract:

Sleep disturbances are a well-known physiologic component of aging, and not infrequently become severe enough to disrupt the patient's life. Testing of individuals in sleep labs, where the patients are monitored for brain activity, muscle activity, and eye movement patterns, has established standards of normal and abnormal sleep patterns. Age-related changes in the pattern and amount of sleep have shown that older people spend more time in bed, but less time asleep. Elderly people may experience increasing periods of nighttime wakefulness, broken sleep, and increasing ease of being awakened by environmental events. It appears that a chronic pattern of impaired nighttime sleep may be a normal component of aging. These changes suggest that the biologic clock of the elderly may be changing, described technically as an upset of circadian sleep-wake rhythm. It is easy for the clinician to dismiss symptoms of sleep disturbance in the elderly as being part of the normal aging process, but it is important to recognize that sleep disorders do occur in the elderly. Often sleep disorders in this group can be alleviated by analyzing and improving the patient's sleep habits and schedule. These may include daytime naps, excessive use of the bedroom for non-sleep-related activities, aspects of the bedroom environment, lack of exercise, and improper use of caffeine, alcohol and medications. A differential diagnosis of sleep disorders, their possible causes, and their treatment are discussed. The authors specifically warn against the indiscriminate use of a hypnotic drug to alleviate the chronic symptoms of insomnia in the elderly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aged, Elderly, Causes of, Demographic aspects

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Sleep disturbances in the wake of traumatic events

Article Abstract:

The prevention and treatment of sleep disorders caused by a traumatic event are reviewed. Sleep laboratory studies may be needed to confirm or rule out the diagnosis since patients may not be completely aware of the extent of the disturbance.

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Tragedy and insomnia

Article Abstract:

Most cases of insomnia will resolve spontaneously but patients with persistent symptoms and co-existing depression or anxiety should be treated to prevent chronic insomnia. Proper sleep habits and benzodiazepines are the best treatments.

Editorial, Insomnia

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