Incidence of Sleep Disorders in Elderly

Incidence of Sleep Disorders in Elderly

Sleep disorders in the elderly is more prevalent and 30% of people above 50yrs and 35% of those over 60 yrs may suffer from sleep disorders.

The incidences of sleep disorders increases with age.

There is some uncertainty regarding the incidence of insomnia in the general population, but it is generally accepted that the older people have increased incidence of sleep problems than the young or middle aged.

Increasing age predisposes a person to sleep disorders. Statistics reveal the following:

Sleep disorders affects:

• 5% of people aged 30-50 yrs
• 30% of those aged 50 yrs or older
• 35% of people above 60 years of age

Older people complain of frequent awakenings at night.

Across all adult age groups, up to 40% of people have insomnia. However, prevalence increases with age, with estimates ranging from 31-38% in people aged 18-64 years to 45% in people aged 65-79 years.

References:

1. General Advocacy Tips for Changing School Start Times - (http://www.sleepfoundation.org/hottopics/index.php?secid=12&id=225)