Sleep disorders in the elderly involve any disruptive pattern of sleep such as problems with falling or staying asleep, excessive sleep, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Sleeping problems are common in the elderly. In general, older people require less sleep, and their sleep is less deep than that experienced by the young. Some causes of and contributors to sleep disturbances include the following:

Sedentary lifestyle

Depression among the elderly

(

Depression is a common cause of sleep problems among people of all ages.)

Chronic

pain caused by diseases such as

arthritis

Chronic diseases such as

congestive heart failure

A need to

urinate frequently at night

Stimulants

such as

caffeine

Drugs

prescription drugs

recreational drugs

alcohol

Neurological conditions

Alzheimer's disease

organic brain syndrome

Signs and tests

History of

sleep disturbances and history of contributing factors

Physical examination

to rule out medical causes

Treatment

The relief of chronic pain and control of underlying medical conditions such as frequent urination may improve sleep in some people. Effective treatment of depression can also improve sleep. Sleep-promoting interventions such as a quiet sleep environment and a glass of warm milk before bed may improve the symptoms. Other ways to promote sleep include the following:

Have a specific bedtime and awakening time each day.

Do not take naps during the day.

Use the bed only for sleep or sexual activity.

If you can't fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do a quiet activity such as reading or listening to music. The use of sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines, to promote sleep is usually not recommended on a long-term basis, as these can produce dependence and lead to worsening sleep problems over time if used inappropriately.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most people see improvement in sleep with treatment or interventions. However, others may continue to have persistent sleep disruptions.

Complications

A complication is alcohol use or drug abuse .

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a lack of sleep or too much sleep is interfering with daily living.

Prevention

Eliminating as many causes of sleep disruption as possible and encouraging regular exercise may help control sleep problems.