Sleep Disorders in the Elderly

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses sleep disorders in the elderly and focuses on insomnia. In order to understand the pathogenesis of sleep disorders, the paper begins by describing the normal sleep cycle in a neurophysiological context. It then looks at the causes that may disrupt the normal sleep cycle and discusses the effects of the aging process on sleep disorders.

From the Paper:

"In conclusion, sleep disorders such as insomnia can be especially distressful in older adults, particularly the elderly. Aside from the normal circadian drift of the sleep- wake cycle in these individuals, secondary causes can inhibit initiation or maintenance of sleep, particularly chronic diseases and diseases presenting at advanced ages. The use of medications versus non-pharmacologic approaches has been debated, with promising results from clinical trials advocating a non-pharmacologic approach to initiating and maintaining sleep in this population of patients (Sivertsen, Omvik, Pallesen, Bjorvatn, Havik, Kvale et al., 2006). While promising, future studies replicating these results at multiple sites with varied day-night cycles are recommended."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Harvard Medical School. (2006, Dec). Insomnia in later life, overcoming obstacles to a good night's rest. Harvard Mental Health Letter, 23(6), 1-5.
• Sivertsen B, Omvik S, Pallesen S, Bjorvatn B, Havik OE, Kvale G, et al. (2006). Cognitive behavioral therapy vs. zopiclone for treatment of chronic primary insomnia in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 295(24), 2851-8. Retrieved December 4, 2006, from the PubMed Database.
• Victor, M & Ropper, AH. (2001). Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology, 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

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• Term Paper # 140626 : "Prevention of Falls in the Elderly"

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