When your older patient can't sleep: how to put insomnia to rest.
Sleep disorders are common in midlife and older adults, coinciding with encephalographic changes in sleep patterns, stressful life events, and chronic diseases of aging. Differential diagnosis includes respiratory abnormalities (including obstructive sleep apnea), leg cramps, nocturia, ulcer-related pain, medication use, depression, and anxiety. Sedative-hypnotic agents may be appropriate for selected patients, with short-acting substances preferred in all cases. Dosage and dosing schedules should be discussed with the patient to ensure compliance and to avoid possible misuse of these agents.
Gorbien
M J
MJ
Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, OH.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012894:Sleep Stages
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives