Assessment and treatment of sleep disturbances in older adults

Author(s): Shochat, T., AncoliIsrael, S.

Journal/Book: Clin Psychol Rev. 2000; 20: the Boulevard Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford Ox5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 783-805.

Abstract: Sleep disturbances are common in older adults. These disturbances are often secondary to medical illness and/or medication use or are due to specific problems such as sleep disordered breathing, periodic limb movements in sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances. The prevalence of sleep disordered breathing and periodic limb movement in sleep increases with age. The circadian rhythm tends to advance with age, causing older people to awaken early in the morning. Insomnia is often caused by pain associated with medical illness. Insomnia can also be caused by stimulating medications. In institutionalized elderly, sleep becomes even more disturbed and fragmented than in community-dwelling older adults. Accurate assessment and diagnosis is crucial since Effective treatment strategies are available for these sleep disturbances. The effect, prevalence and treatment of each of these conditions is reviewed.

Note: Review Ancoli-Israel S, Vet Affairs Healthcare Syst, Dept Psychiat 116A, 3350 La Jolla Dr, San Diego,CA 92161 USA

Keyword(s): NURSING-HOME PATIENTS; PERIODIC LIMB MOVEMENTS; ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE; PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS; NOCTURNAL MYOCLONUS; TREATMENT EFFICACY; CIRCADIAN-RHYTHMS; LIGHT TREATMENT; ELDERLY PEOPLE; LEG MOVEMENTS

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