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Sleep disorders in older people

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Abstract

Sleep complaints are common among older people. As there are often multiple contributing factors, insomnia should be considered a symptom, and not a diagnosis. There is a high prevalence of sleep apnea and nocturnal myoclonus. When these primary sleep disorders are suspected, the patient should be referred for polysomnography. Use of hypnotics should be discouraged for chronic insomnia. More research is needed to clarify the role of light therapy and melatonin in the treatment of sleep disorders in older people.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, USA

    A. Gentili M.D.

  2. Geriatrics and Extended Care, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, 23249, Virginia, USA

    A. Gentili M.D.

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, USA

    J. D. Edinger

  4. Psychology Service, Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA

    J. D. Edinger

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Gentili, A., Edinger, J.D. Sleep disorders in older people. Aging Clin Exp Res 11, 137–141 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399654

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