Author:
Wing Cheng Pak,Pan Wong Yiu
Abstract
Sleep problems are common among the elderly due to physiological changes and comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions. Sleep architecture changes with age. However, sleep disturbances among older adults should not be seen barely as a result of ageing. Depression and anxiety are important differential diagnoses for elderly patients complaining of sleep disturbance. Dementia and delirium are also common causes of sleep disturbances among older people. Elderly people often carry several medical comorbidities. These medical conditions can both lead to and be exacerbated by sleep problems. Given the frailty, multimorbidity and vulnerability of some of the elderly, the management of sleep problems requires additional considerations compared with younger adult patients. Behavioural modifications and drugs of choice will be discussed.