Poor Sleep Not A Normal Part Of Aging

Researchers say insomnia is a common problem that warrants increased attention from doctors who care for older adults. The study presents a five-step approach to diagnose and manage insomnia in these patients. If followed, data shows that doctors could help to reduce sleep disturbances in the geriatric population.

The steps include (1) detection through asking patients questions, (2) elaboration of the problem, (3) determining if there is a medical or psychiatric emergency, (4) further evaluation of chronic insomnia, if present, and (5) intervention, which can include pharmacological treatment.

"The perception of sleeping poorly, coupled with daytime sequelae such as fatigue or irritability, is cause for seeking medical help," states W. Vaughn McCall, MD, MS, author of the article. "Failure to address insomnia could lead to bad outcomes, such as clinical depression. Insomnia can be cause by numerous factors, but can be treated successfully either through lifestyle and behavioral changes or through medications."

This study is published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 

W. Vaughn McCall, MD, MS is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Wake Forest University Health Sciences. 

About the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society publishes articles that are relevant in the broadest terms to the clinical care of older persons. Such articles may span a variety of disciplines and fields and may be of immediate, intermediate, or long-term potential benefit to clinical practice.

About the American Geriatrics Society
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is the premier professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults. With an active membership of over 6,000 health care professionals, the AGS has a long history of effecting change in the provision of health care for older adults. In the last decade, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices regarding health care for older people. Visit www.americangeriatrics.org for more information.

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