Older adults experience loss of loved ones, physical changes and altered environments. This can cause depression and sleep disturbances. Dr. Turek Talks About Sleep in the Elderly You will need a RealAudio player to listen to this talk by Dr. Turek about the effects of advanced age on the elderly. Elderly on Drugs Elderly people who are on long-term medication for anxiety or depression tend to have a greater number of car crashes. How Sleep Changes with Age As an individual ages, several changes in the normal sleep pattern occur.
More time is necessary to fall asleep.
Insomnia in the Elderly Seven items that may cause sleeplessness in the elderly. Most theories about why millions of elderly suffer insomnia are wrong, according to a new study that says the brain clock regulating sleep ticks as accurately for the old as for the young. Physician Statement Elderly patients frequently suffer from insomnia due to age-related changes in sleep patterns. 70 million Americans may suffer from sleep problems. Sleep of the elderly suffers a marked reduction in quality and quantity.