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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.
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Sleep and Sleep Disorders in Older Adults.

Lauren A Tobias1, Margaret A Pisani2

  • 1Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208057, New Haven, CT 06501, USA.

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Sleep disturbances are common in older adults and can worsen cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms. Addressing sleep disorders like insomnia is crucial for maintaining health in aging populations.

Keywords:
Cognitive impairmentDaytime sleepinessInsomniaNeurodegenerative diseaseObstructive sleep apneaPhase advancePolysomnographyRestless legs syndrome

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Sleep patterns and quality change significantly with aging.
  • Sleep disorders are prevalent in the older adult population.
  • Age-related sleep changes can impact overall health and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review normal sleep and common sleep disorders in older adults.
  • To discuss factors influencing sleep in aging individuals.
  • To highlight the health consequences of sleep disruption in the elderly.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on sleep in older adults.
  • Discussion of age-related sleep physiology.
  • Categorization and description of common sleep disorders.

Main Results:

  • Aging impacts sleep architecture and increases susceptibility to sleep disorders.
  • Common disorders include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorder.
  • Sleep disruption is linked to accelerated cognitive decline and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disorders in older adults have significant adverse health outcomes.
  • Effective management of sleep problems is essential for geriatric health.
  • Sleep disturbance can exacerbate psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.