[Treatment of sleep disorders in the elderly]

The physiological and pathophysiological peculiarities of the aging organism require to be observed in the treatment of sleep disorders. After eliminating extracerebral causes one has to consider changes of cerebral blood flow as a reason for impaired sleep, for instance resulting from cardial insufficiency or pathological changes of blood pressure. In using sleeping drugs one should keep in mind type and severeness of the sleep disorders and prescribe with care, since the elimination potential in the aged is mostly reduced and the quote of side effects is increased.