title: Sleep in the elderly: a practical approach.
abstract: The elderly commonly complain about the quality and quantity of their sleep. The family physician can assess accurately such symptoms in the office. It is important for the physician to recognize age-related changes in sleep and obtain an accurate history. The correction of environmental disruptions and transient psycho-physiologic problems, the critical evaluation of drug use, and the treatment of underlying medical conditions are important first steps in addressing the complaint of insomnia. Appropriate sleep hygiene and pharmacologic therapy can be helpful in many instances. The family physician, however, must remember that primary sleep disorders are more common in the elderly, and sleep-center referral should be considered if such a disturbance is suspected or if problems persist after conservative therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68105.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Susman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs