Insomnia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Insomnia is a common problem in older people, especially in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) whose circadian rhythm is often compromised. Insomnia exerts such a toll on caregivers that it is frequently the primary reason for seeking to institutionalize their loved ones. Three different types of insomnia are recognized: sleep-onset or initial insomnia, sleep maintenance or middle insomnia, and early morning awakening or late insomnia. Nocturnal hypoglycemia, as a cause of middle insomnia, is the main focus of this case study. Other types of insomnia are also briefly reviewed. The management of insomnia is then discussed including sleep hygiene, the usefulness and potential drawbacks of dietary supplements, nonprescription over-the-counter preparations and prescription hypnotics. Sleep architecture is then briefly reviewed, emphasizing the importance of its integrity and the role of each sleep stage.

“Tipping point” concept analysis in the family caregiving context

“…For example, older adults’ bedrest‐induced immobility has been correlated with losses in muscle mass, strength, power, and functional capacity . Similarly, older adults’ sleeplessness has been identified as one of three main reasons for caregivers moving the older adult to long term care facilities . Among Mexican Americans, older adults’ cognitive changes have been associated with both transitioning to coresidential living arrangements and nursing home placements .…”

“…85 Similarly, older adults' sleeplessness has been identified as one of three main reasons for caregivers moving the older adult to long term care facilities. 86 Among Mexican Americans, older adults' cognitive changes have been associated with both transitioning to coresidential living arrangements and nursing home placements. 87,88 These examples suggest longitudinal measurement of variables such as functional ability, sleep, muscle strength, life space, and cognitive ability may be a way of helping caregiving families recognize changes that are occurring.…”

Re: Insomnia and Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…With great enthusiasm, I read an article by Hamdy et al (2018) titled “Insomnia and Mild Cognitive Impairment” published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine . The authors of this article have addressed three different types of insomnia and discussed its management.…”

“…The authors of this article have addressed three different types of insomnia and discussed its management. Emphasizing the importance of its integrity and the role of each sleep stage, Hamdy et al (2018) have also reviewed the sleep architecture. Despite the remarkable structure of the article authored by Hamdy et al (2018) , this article has at least one major shortcoming regarding lifestyle habits which possibly induce insomnia.…”

“…Emphasizing the importance of its integrity and the role of each sleep stage, Hamdy et al (2018) have also reviewed the sleep architecture. Despite the remarkable structure of the article authored by Hamdy et al (2018) , this article has at least one major shortcoming regarding lifestyle habits which possibly induce insomnia. The authors state, “Other habits that may detrimentally affect the quantity/quality of sleep include watching TV, using a laptop computer, or other electronic devices shortly before going to bed, or while in bed.…”