Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2009 , Vol 55 , Num 2

Sleep Problem in the Elderly

Pelin Yazgan 1
1 Harran Üniversitesi Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, Şanlıurfa, Türkiye

Sleep is an active, complicated and organized condition. Various changes occur in sleep with aging: a)  latent period is prolonged; b) sleep duration becomes shorter; c) sleep time is variable; d) tendency to sleep is increased but wakening becomes quicker. Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in advanced age. Objective and subjective tests are used to evaluate sleep disorders in the elderly. Treatment includes: changing the behaviours before the sleeping period, medical treatment options and additionally alternative medicine methods. 

Keywords : Sleep disorders, elderly, insomnia