An under-diagnosed geriatric syndrome: sleep disorders among older adults

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disorders are commonly under-diagnosed in the geriatric population. We aimed to determine the prevalence of sleep problems among older adults admitted to the geriatrics out-patient clinic. Methods: Two hundred and three patients (136 female) older than 75 years of age were included in the study. Patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment, including identification of sleep problems using the Sleep Disturbance Scale, Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) Single-Question Screen questionnaire (RBD1Q) and The Johns Hopkins Restless Leg Syndrome Severity Scale. Demographic and clinical data including age, sex, medications, comorbid diseases, body mass index and functional scores was noted. Results: The mean age of the patients was 80.92±4.3 years. 35.5% of the patients had findings of REM-SBD and 32.5% of the patients had restless legs syndrome. Ninety-seven percent of the patients answered 'yes' to at least one of the sleep disturbance scale questions. There was no significant difference between male and female groups. Conclusion: We observed that sleep disorders were common among older adults. For this reason, the course and quality of sleep should be examined in all patients as a routine part of comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Use of the Xiaomi Mi Band for sleep monitoring and its influence on the daily life of older people living in a nursing home

“…Some studies refer that sleep problems can be a risk factor to develop cognitive impairment, dependence on ADLs, and risk of falling. In the same way, older people, who have these alterations in their functioning and health status, usually have sleep problems like insomnia, parasomnia, or sleep apnea 2,12,13,[56][57][58] Specifically, our outcomes also reflected a significant relation between sleep parameters with these variables. Moreover, as Martins da Silva et al, 14 our analysis showed that the sleep quality and quantity positively contributed to daily activity and the performance of ADLs of participants.…”

“… 1 As people age, the duration and quality of sleep are negatively influenced by alterations in its sleep-wake cycle, with less restful deep sleep and sleep stages fragmented by increased nocturnal awakenings. 2 , 3 Likewise, changes associated with the passage of time, such as changes in roles, environment, or healthy lifestyle habits, affect sleep status. 4 , 5 In the aging stage, sleep problems are often underdiagnosed, and their prevalence depends on social and environmental factors and daily habits and routines.…”

“… 4 , 5 In the aging stage, sleep problems are often underdiagnosed, and their prevalence depends on social and environmental factors and daily habits and routines. 2 , 6 Globally, it is estimated that 40%–60% of the older population has poor sleep quality and sleep difficulties. 7 Therefore, sleep problems have become a problem associated with the growing aging phenomenon, 8 , 9 and a relevant public health problem, mainly affecting older people's quality of life.…”

Sleeping pills in the treatment of insomnia in older adults with depression: the role of sleep hygiene

“…Structuring sleep hygiene and taking it into account in the examination and treatment process may contribute to alleviating insomnia in the elderly (14,16). However, studies have shown that sleep restriction and sleep hygiene, which are safe, effective, and inexpensive ways of treating insomnia in the elderly, are not used adequately to treat insomnia in older adults with depression (OADs) (14,18).…”

Evaluation of Self-reported Insomnia and Its Association with Some Geriatric Syndromes in Older Adults

“…Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is the unpleasant feeling (numbness, ache, tingling) in the legs that cause urge to move, especially in the evening. It is also related with insomnia and sleep disruption and reported more prevalent in older adults (8,12). RLS is reported as a common cause of insomnia; as much as 85% of patients with RLS were reported to have insomnia (13).…”