Sleep disorders in the elderly

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Sleep patterns in the young and aged

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.

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
• Prescription drugs, recreational drugs, or alcohol
• Neurological conditions
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Organic brain syndrome

Review Date: 08/22/2006
Reviewed By: Sandra W. Cohen, M.D. Private Practice specializing in geriatrics, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.