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Common Sleep Disorders Affecting Older Adults.

Ecler Ercole Jaqua¹, Mary Hanna², Wessam Labib¹

¹Family Medicine Department-Geriatric Medicine Division, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA.

The Permanente Journal

|December 12, 2022

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sleep disorders are common in older adults, impacting sleep quality and duration. Management focuses on non-pharmacological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene education, with cautious medication use.

Keywords:

Insomnia older adults pharmacological treatment sleep disorders sleep hygiene

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Sleep Medicine
Neurology

Background:

Sleep disorders, including insomnia and breathing issues, are prevalent in aging populations.
Aging is associated with physiological changes that negatively affect sleep patterns, such as increased sleep latency and reduced sleep efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

To review common sleep disorders in older adults.
To discuss diagnostic approaches and management strategies for geriatric sleep disturbances.

Main Methods:

Literature review of sleep disorders in the elderly.
Analysis of diagnostic tools including sleep history, questionnaires, and sleep logs.
Evaluation of treatment options, distinguishing between non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

Common sleep disorders in older adults include chronic insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, movement disorders, and sleep-disordered breathing.
Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment; polysomnography is reserved for specific indications.
Non-pharmacological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene are primary management strategies.

Conclusions:

Sleep disorders significantly impact older adults' health and well-being.
A multi-faceted approach combining accurate diagnosis with evidence-based, primarily non-pharmacological, treatments is crucial.
Shared decision-making and judicious use of medication are recommended for pharmacological interventions.