[Sleep disturbances among nursing home patients--practical advice on treatment].
BACKGROUND
Sleep disturbances are common among nursing home patients and get worse with age and their degree of dementia.


METHODS
The article is based on our own research as well as on studies and reviews in the field.


CONCLUSIONS
Sleep disturbances among patients with dementia may have a range of internal or external causes. A thorough assessment of the patient's sleep pattern is crucial before treatment is instigated. Pharmacological interventions may have serious side effects in this population; non-pharmacological interventions have, on the other hand, shown promise.
Fetveit
Arne
A
Institutt for allmenn- og samfunnsmedisin, Universitetet i Oslo, Postboks 1130, Blindern, 0318 Oslo. arne.fetveit@medisin.uio.no
Bjorvatn
Bjørn
B
D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009735:Nursing Homes; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives