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Sleep disturbances in elderly: a subjective evaluation over 65
1Department of Neurosciences, Neurology-Neuropathophysiology, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Maria della Misericordia, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, 15, I-33100 Udine, Italy. neuro@aoud.sanita.fvg.it
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Supplement
|June 23, 2004
Summary
Elderly sleep disturbances are common, affecting sleep patterns and quality. Cognitive impairment in older adults alters sleep, with distinct differences observed in sleep onset, awakenings, and specific sleep behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Aging significantly alters sleep patterns in elderly individuals, affecting sleep/wake rhythms, duration, and architecture.
- Medical literature documents various sleep alterations associated with the aging process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sleep disturbances in elderly individuals, comparing those with and without cognitive impairment.
- To assess the prevalence of specific sleep issues such as excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia.
Main Methods:
- A sleep questionnaire was administered to 1000 subjects over 65 years of age, stratified by sex and age.
- The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function.
- Data from the first 600 interviews were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, nighttime awakenings, snoring, restlessness, and periodic leg movements was observed.
- Cognitively impaired patients reported less difficulty falling asleep and fewer nighttime awakenings.
- Cognitively impaired individuals exhibited unique symptoms including enuresis and falling out of bed, alongside variable excessive daytime sleepiness.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in sleep disorders between healthy elderly subjects and those with cognitive impairment.
- Subjective sleep assessments via questionnaires are valuable for evaluating sleep disturbances in the elderly population.