Treatment Of Insomnia In The Elderly

Insomnia happens to most people at one time or another in their life but insomnia in elderly adults may be caused by more than just having too much on their mind.
Treatment of insomnia in the elderly. Changing your sleep habits and addressing any issues that may be associated with insomnia such as stress medical conditions or medications can restore restful sleep for many people. Psychological and behavioral interventions are effective in older adults according to the 2008 aasm guideline. Insomnia is a problem many elderly people face each night and can lead to many health risks. Insomnia in elderly adults.
Treatments for elderly insomnia prescription sleep aids also called hypnotics have long been a standard tool in the fight against sleep disturbance and insomnia. Caregivers will first treat any physical medicine or mental problems that might be causing your insomnia. Causes management treatment there s nothing quite as frustrating as not being able to get to sleep and stay asleep. If these measures don t work your doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy medications or both to help improve relaxation and sleep.
Hypnotics are still used widely but among the elderly the use of benzodiazepine receptor agonist drugs carries risks. In the elderly insomnia is defined as dissatisfaction with the quality or quantity of sleep indicated by difficulty falling asleep or difficulty returning to sleep after an awakening and clin ically significant daytime impairment or distress despite. Currently five bzds are fda approved for the treatment of insomnia. The treatment of insomnia in the elderly are psychological behavioral therapies pharmacological treatment or a combination of both.
Learn about treatment and improving sleep quality in seniors. Pharmacotherapy plays an adjunctive role when insomnia symptoms persist or when. All of these agents are schedule iv controlled substances because of their potential for abuse or dependence. You may want to try some of the following things to help you sleep better.
Treatment of chronic insomnia.