How to diagnose and treat sleep problems among the elderly patients?

Posted by Lewis Carroll on February 24th, 2018

As one grows older, one experiences physical, social, psychological and situational changes and conditions that decrease the quality and the amount of sleep. According to a research, around 44% of older persons experience one or more symptoms of insomnia more than twice a week and find it difficult to rest peacefully at night.

Caring for an aged loved one can be a challenging task for a family. It includes work such as making doctor appointments, ensuring that they take medications at right time and keeping them safe and happy at all times. A proper diagnosis is essential for an elderly patient suffering from sleep deprivation.   .The process of diagnosis includes an examination of medical history as well as a study of sleep-related behavior questions which the patient must answer candidly as well as further testing at a sleep clinic. Loving families can get to the root of a hidden medical problem of an elderly with the professional advice of a sleep expert.

Age-related diseases coupled with different sleep disorders can be devastating for the elderly.  The absence of sleep not only leads to confusion and distorted memory but also contributes to decreased mental capacity and depression. Some of the common symptoms found among these people include difficulty in concentration and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Reasons for poor sleep among elderly patients

Some of the causes of poor sleep in elderly persons are restless legs syndrome, advanced sleep phase disorder, REM Sleep behavior disorder ( RBD), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Preexisting medical conditions such as Alzheimer, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson disease can also lead to sleeping problems among senior citizens.  Other reasons for elderly insomnia are menopause, anxiety, depression and effect of medications.

Lack of sleep can also lead to some side effects such as reduced energy levels, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to pain, the risk of BP, diabetes and a weak immune system.  In the absence of sleep, geriatric patients usually suffer from reduced energy levels and find it difficult to perform tasks or to process information quickly.

Important sleep tips that can put one on the path of a good night sleep are:

• Maintain a regular wake-sleep schedule and follow it regularly, even on weekends.

• Create a sleep-friendly environment in bedroom with comfortable mattress and pillows

• Keep the bedroom dark, quiet and noise free.

• Avoid the use of coffee, tea and cigarette before bedtime.

• Avoiding the use of  fatty meals at night

• Use the bed only for sleeping purpose

If still after following these sleep tips an elderly person struggles to sleep at night, then he can take the help of best online sleeping pills UK such as Ambien( Zolpidem), Zopiclone ( Zimovane) and  Nitrazepam ( Alodorm) for a serene rest at night.