Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Sleep in the elderly: a practical approach.

J L Susman1

  • 1Department of Family Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68105.

The Journal of Family Practice
|November 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Elderly individuals often experience sleep disturbances. Family physicians can diagnose and manage insomnia by addressing environmental factors, medications, and underlying conditions, considering primary sleep disorders and specialist referral when necessary.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A framework for understanding visits by frequent attenders in family practice.

The Journal of family practice·2001
Same author

Technician, friend, detective, and healer: family physicians' responses to emotional distress.

The Journal of family practice·2001
Same author

Primary care physicians' perceptions of diabetes management. A balancing act.

The Journal of family practice·1999
Same author

Integrated clinical experience: University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges·1998
Same author

Dissemination and implementation of Put Prevention into Family Practice.

American journal of preventive medicine·1997
Same author

Reducing the complications of type II diabetes: a patient-centered approach.

American family physician·1997

Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Primary Care

Background:

  • Sleep complaints, including issues with quality and quantity, are prevalent among the elderly population.
  • Age-related changes in sleep patterns are common and require careful consideration by healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the role of family physicians in accurately assessing and managing sleep complaints in older adults.
  • To emphasize the importance of recognizing age-related sleep changes and obtaining a thorough patient history.

Main Methods:

  • Accurate symptom assessment by family physicians in an office setting.
  • Obtaining a comprehensive medical and sleep history from elderly patients.
  • Evaluating and addressing environmental disruptions, psycho-physiologic issues, medication use, and underlying medical conditions.

Main Results:

  • Initial management focuses on correcting environmental factors, addressing transient issues, reviewing medications, and treating comorbidities.
  • Implementation of appropriate sleep hygiene practices and pharmacologic therapies can be beneficial.
  • Primary sleep disorders are more common in the elderly and may require specialized intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Family physicians play a crucial role in the initial management of insomnia in the elderly.
  • Conservative management, including lifestyle adjustments and medication review, is a key first step.
  • Referral to a sleep center is recommended for suspected primary sleep disorders or persistent insomnia despite conservative treatment.

Related Experiment Videos