One study, reported in a British journal of Ageing, found that 4 in 10 elders living at home complained of insomnia and tended to have higher anxiety levels and poor health. Age-related changes in sleep also may be due to a loss of neurons in the brain or shifts in other physiologic and hormonal systems. An older adult's risk of depression appears to be greater among those with insomnia. Sleep problems in the elderly may result in night time agitation and confusion. Sleep disorders may actually precipitate certain medical and physical illnesses.
Sleepless nights result in daytime napping and fatigue, which interfere with quality of life.
Disturbed sleep involving nocturnal awakening and disoriented wandering is among the most frequently cited causes of institutionalization in the elderly. Now that you know insomnia is nothing to ignore, the following self-help resources will tell you where to turn. The toll-free telephone hotline, which is open 24 hours a day, is sponsored by Searle pharmaceuticals. Stress is the most common cause of short-term insomnia. Conditioned insomnia is the most common cause of chronic insomnia.