Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
05:59
Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
3.2K
Impaired Sleep: A Multifaceted Geriatric Syndrome
Grace E Dean1, Carleara Weiss1, Jonna L Morris2
1Department of Biobehavioral Health and Clinical Sciences, School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, 301 Wende Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
The Nursing Clinics of North America
|August 7, 2017
Summary
Sleep problems are common in older adults due to various interacting factors. This review covers age-related sleep changes, disorders, and interventions for better sleep health in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Nursing Research
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are increasingly prevalent in the aging population.
- Multiple interacting factors contribute to impaired sleep in older adults.
- Poor sleep is linked to adverse health outcomes in seniors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review normal sleep changes associated with aging.
- To discuss sleep disorders prevalent in older adults.
- To explore the impact of medications, medical, and psychosocial conditions on sleep in this demographic.
- To present nursing assessment tools and nonpharmacologic interventions for impaired sleep.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of normal aging and sleep.
- Identification of common sleep disorders in older adults.
- Analysis of factors influencing sleep, including medications and comorbidities.
- Description of nursing assessment strategies.
- Overview of nonpharmacologic sleep interventions.
Main Results:
- Aging is associated with predictable changes in sleep architecture and patterns.
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea are more common in older adults.
- Medications, chronic medical conditions, and psychosocial factors significantly impact sleep quality.
- Effective nursing assessments and nonpharmacologic interventions can improve sleep in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Impaired sleep in older adults is multifactorial and requires comprehensive assessment.
- Understanding age-related sleep changes is crucial for effective management.
- Nonpharmacologic interventions offer a promising approach to improving sleep health in the elderly population.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
978
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
978
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
471
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
471
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.1K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.1K
01:27Insomnia
515
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
515
01:19Management of Insomnia
732
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
732
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.1K
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.1K