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. As we grow old a number of physiological changes takes place that alters both our looks and the body functions. Generally these changes slow down all the organ systems, due to a gradual decline in cellular activity. In some individuals, the level of decline may be rapid and dramatic; in others, the changes are much less significant.
The effects of these changes also differ widely among individuals. While approximately 85% of the aging population experience chronic conditions, only about 20% experience significant impairment in their ability to function.
Sleep disturbances in the elderly can lead to changes in the physiological systems, such as a reduction in the production of appropriate hormones, like the growth hormones, and also a decline in the metabolic functioning.
Causes of sleep disorder
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 or contributors to sleep disturbances in older adults include:
- A need to urinate frequently at night
- Chronic pain caused by diseases such as arthritis
o Chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure
o Depression (depression is a common cause of sleep problems among people of all ages)
o Neurological conditions
o Alzheimer's disease
o Organic brain syndrome
- Prescription drugs, recreational drugs, or alcohol
o Sedentary lifestyle
o Stimulants such as caffeine
Symptoms of sleep disorder
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty telling the difference between night and day
- Early morning awakening
- Waking up frequently during the night
Treatment for sleep disorder
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 following a healthy lifestyle and the following steps:
- Avoid large meals shortly before bedtime.
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeine.
- Get regular exercise, early in the day.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. (Don't take naps.)
- 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 to promote sleep on a long-term basis should be avoided, if possible. They can lead to dependence and worsening sleep problems over time if not used correctly.
- If needed, sleeping pills such as Ambien and Lunesta are relatively safe when used properly.
- It is best to NOTtake sleeping pills on consecutive days or for more than 2 - 4 days a week.
- Alcohol can make the side effects of all sleeping pills worse and should be avoided.
Most people accept sleep difficulties as a fact of the ageing process.Most often sleep problems in the elderly are due to disease, environment, or lifestyle and not due to the "the normal ageing" process.
Irrespective of age, it remains essential to get the proper amount of restorative sleep for a person's physical health and emotional well-being.
Sleeping disorder in Elderly
