title: Sleep Disturbances in the Elderly.
abstract: Sleep disturbances are a common presenting symptom of older-age adults to their physicians. This article explores normal changes in sleep pattern with aging and primary sleep disorders in the elderly. Behavioral factors and primary psychiatric disorders affecting sleep in this population are reviewed. Further discussion examines sleep changes associated with 2 common forms of neurocognitive disorder: Alzheimer disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Common medical illnesses in the elderly are discussed in relation to sleep symptoms. Nonpharmacological and pharmacologic treatment strategies are summarized, with emphasis placed on risk of side effects in older adults. Future targets are considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. Electronic address: zdanys@uchc.edu.
authors.forename: Kristina F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Zdanys
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Steffens
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D020961:Lewy Body Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Alzheimer’s; Delirium; Dementia; Geriatric; Insomnia; Melatonin; Old-age; Sleep disorders