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Review
. 2021 Dec;25(4):2111-2118.
doi: 10.1007/s11325-021-02329-9. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Behavioral and exercise interventions for sleep dysfunction in the elderly: a brief review and future directions

Amy Gencarelli  1 , Anne Sorrell  1 , Cassandra M Everhart  2 , Taylor Zurlinden  1 , D Erik Everhart  3
Affiliations
Review

Behavioral and exercise interventions for sleep dysfunction in the elderly: a brief review and future directions

Amy Gencarelli et al. Sleep Breath. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of sleep-related changes and disorders in the geriatric populations are of utmost concern due to health consequences and increased risk of injury as well as injuring others as a result of poor sleep. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of the current state of the literature with regard to sleep, aging, common non-pharmacological interventions, and the potential use of exercise in combination with behavioral interventions.

Methods: Initially, this manuscript focuses on a brief (nonsystematic) review of sleep parameters and physiology that are associated with the aging process. Subsequently, information regarding sleep disorders in the elderly in general, and insomnia in particular are discussed. Last, a brief review of current recommended interventions is provided.

Results: The current major nonpharmacological interventions are described including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). The potential use of exercise as a safe intervention for poor sleep is discussed. Finally, a call is made for increased research that examines the combination of traditional behavioral interventions with exercise.

Keywords: Behavioral intervention; Elderly; Exercise; Insomnia; Sleep.

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Conflict of interest statement

Amy Gencarelli declares that she has no conflict of interest. Anne Sorrell declares that she has no conflict of interest. Cassandra Everhart declares that she has no conflict of interest. Taylor Zurlinden declares that she has no conflict of interest. D. Erik Everhart declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Theoretical model of the relationship between moderate exercise and improved sleep function
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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