Sleep disorders in elderly population suffering from TB and respiratory diseases

Sleep disorders (SD) are more frequent in the elderly population than younger counterparts. The underlying SD has a more severe impact on cardiorespiratory fitness. In elderly population with respiratory disorders, incidence and baneful influence of sleep disorders are extremely high. Insomnia in elderly is very common probably due to age related changes, underlying co morbidities and multiple medications. With aging there is decrease in duration of slow wave sleep and increase in NREM stage 1 and 2 sleep, which increases number of spontaneous arousals. Compared to younger people, elderly individuals tend to sleep earlier and wake up earlier due to changes in their normal circadian rhythm. Poor sleep quality and restless leg syndrome are higher in Tuberculosis patients. Disturbances in immune regulation due to chronic insomnia may exacerbate chronic infections like TB. Because many respiratory diseases and medications are known to cause sleep disturbances, it is important to assess treatable medical conditions and insomnia inducing medications before initiating hypnotics. Diagnosing sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in ILD patients is particularly important as nocturnal oxygen desaturation is associated with poor prognosis and could possibly be a cause of pulmonary hypertension. In patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and underlying obstructive sleep apnoea, CPAP therapy may help to reduce the PH. Addressing sleep disorders will be highly beneficial in elderly COPD patients with sleep disorders. This article reviews different SD, its effects and the treatment benefits in improving the quality of life and reducing the risk of progression of respiratory dysfunction in elderly population with TB and respiratory diseases.