Sleep disorders in the elderly

Definition:

A disruptive pattern of sleep that may include problems with falling or staying asleep, excessive sleep, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep. In this case, the disease occurs in the elderly.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Sleeping problems are common in the elderly. In general, older people require less sleep, and they also have less deep sleep. Some causes of sleep disturbances are related to a sedentary lifestyle. Chronic pain from diseases such as arthritis, chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure, the need to urinate frequently, stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, or drugs also contribute to poor sleep. Neurological conditions associated with aging such as Alzheimer's disease or organic brain syndrome may also cause sleep problems.