Geriatric Sleep Disorder

•       Taking more time to fall asleep
•        Spending too much time in bed
•        Difficulty maintaining sleep
•        Taking more naps during the day
•        Daytime sleepiness
•        Frequent awakenings
•        Decreased satisfaction with nighttime sleep
•        Difficulty getting back to sleep
•        Difficulty in concentrating
•       Fatigue

Visit a Neurologist or Psychiatrist to be diagnosed and treated properly, If you or one of your family have any of these symptoms

Insomnia and sleep disturbance can be caused by different reasons such as :

•        Circadian rhythm changes in elderly
•        Other sleep disorders (ex: periodic limb movement syndrome, Sleep-related breathing disorder)
•        Diseases (ex: hyperthyroidism, arthritis)
•        Psychiatric illness (ex: Depression, anxiety)
•        Dementia
•        Using many medications
•        Poor sleep hygiene
•        Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco use

Diagnosis depends on the symptoms and clinical history in addition to other diagnostic tests such as :

•       Physical and neurological examination : To exclude any other condition causing these symptoms.
•        Diagnostic criteria : Certain conditions should be fulfilled to confirm the diagnosis.

Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic methods are used to treat insomnia.

Non-pharmacological :

Lifestyle modifications :

•        Keeping a regular sleep schedule
•        Avoid daytime naps
•        Avoid caffeine alcohol, and smoking after lunch
•       Doing exercise
•        Avoid spending too much time in bed
•        Getting out of bed if the person is unable to sleep
•        Limiting liquids in the evening
•        Eating a light snack before going to bed
•        Avoid using the bed except when the person needs to sleep (ex : avoid sitting on the bed for reading, working, or lounging)

Cognitive behavioral therapy : A type of psychotherapy that teaches the patients how to deal with negative thoughts that interferes with sleep.

Medications :

Some medications are useful in treating this condition such as :

•        Antidepressants: Trazodone, Mirtazapine.
•        Sedatives: Clonazepam, Zolpidem tartrate.

Herbal supplements: Melatonin