Insomnia in the elderly

Abstract

Insomnia is common in the elderly population. Difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep affects nearly half of all patients over the age of 65, representing an increased prevalence in older versus younger patients. Nocturnal sleep time is decreased, frequent awakenings occur, and daytime napping is common. Age-related changes in sleep physiology correlate with the subjective complaints of disturbed sleep. Multiple etiologies for insomnia in the elderly have been described. Management strategies must include attention to both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic aspects of care, especially with respect to the altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics associated with advanced age. Reassessing therapy is essential to promote the end goal of improvement of the elderly patient's quality of life.