[Sleep Disturbances in the Elderly]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sleep Medicine
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Sleep disturbances are a frequent complaint among the elderly population.
• Endogenous regulatory mechanisms governing sleep-wake cycles can become unstable with age.
• Existing chronobiological interventions like light treatment and melatonin show promise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review effective interventions for sleep disturbances in the elderly.
• To highlight the role of cataract surgery in improving sleep-wake rhythms.
• To present mandibular advancement devices as an alternative for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of chronobiological interventions for sleep disturbances.
• Analysis of studies on light treatment, melatonin, and cataract surgery.
• Evaluation of mandibular advancement devices for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Main Results:

• Cataract surgery has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the sleep-wake rhythm.
• Mandibular advancement devices offer a reliable alternative to CPAP for OSAS.
• Light treatment and melatonin are established chronobiological interventions.

Conclusions:

• Multiple interventions can address sleep disturbances in the elderly.
• Optimizing sleep-wake cycles is crucial for geriatric health.
• Advanced treatment options are available for sleep disorders like OSAS.