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Sleep is a barometer of good health in the elderly. Sleep problems in the elderly are controlled by various external and internal factors.

"Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together" - Thomas Decker, English dramatist (1572-1632)

As we grow old a number of physiological changes takes place that alters both our looks and the body functions. Generally these changes slow down all the organ systems, due to a gradual decline in cellular activity. In some individuals, the level of decline may be rapid and dramatic; in others, the changes are much less significant.

The effects of these changes also differ widely among individuals. While approximately 85% of the aging population experience chronic conditions, only about 20% experience significant impairment in their ability to function.

Sleep disturbances in the elderly can lead to changes in the physiological systems, such as a reduction in the production of appropriate hormones, like the growth hormones, and also a decline in the metabolic functioning.

Most people accept sleep difficulties as a fact of the ageing process. Most often sleep problems in the elderly are due to disease, environment, or lifestyle and not due to the "the normal ageing" process.

Irrespective of age, it remains essential to get the proper amount of restorative sleep for a person's physical health and emotional well-being.

References:

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

Published on Jan 28, 2016
Last Updated on Feb 07, 2016

Latest Publications and Research on Ageing and Sleep

Inhibition of miR-193a-3p protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against intermittent hypoxia-induced endothelial injury by targeting FAIM2. - Published by PubMed
Association of Sleep Trajectory in Adulthood With Risk of Hypertension and its Related Risk Factors: The China Health and Nutrition Survey. - Published by PubMed
Performance of Facial Expression Classification Tasks in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAS). - Published by PubMed
Association of Dietary Variety and Appetite with Sleep Quality in Urban-Dwelling Older Japanese Adults. - Published by PubMed
Sleep Apnea Syndrome in an Elderly Population Admitted to a Geriatric Unit: Prevalence and Effect on Cognitive Function. - Published by PubMed

Citations

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APA

Dr. Anitha Paderla. (2016, February 07). Sleep Disorders in Elderly-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Conclusion. Medindia. Retrieved on Jun 28, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/sleep/sleep_disorders_elderly.htm.
MLA

Dr. Anitha Paderla. "Sleep Disorders in Elderly-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Conclusion". Medindia. Jun 28, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/sleep/sleep_disorders_elderly.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Anitha Paderla. "Sleep Disorders in Elderly-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Conclusion". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/sleep/sleep_disorders_elderly.htm. (accessed Jun 28, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Anitha Paderla. 2021. Sleep Disorders in Elderly-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Conclusion. Medindia, viewed Jun 28, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/sleep/sleep_disorders_elderly.htm.