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Understanding and Managing Sleep Difficulties in the Elderly

Cecilia M. Plaza

Joy Dunkelbarger-Reed

Insomnia is a common complaint in the geriatric population with studies indicating that 23-34% of elderly report symptoms of insomnia. Age-related changes in sleep physiology, diseases common in the elderly, and drug therapies common in the treatment of these diseases may result in difficulties with sleep. Managing these complaints requires a thorough evaluation to determine the etiology of insomnia since it is a symptom and not a disease. Additionally, when treating insomnia, non-pharmacologic issues need consideration before initiating drug therapy. A variety of pharmacologic agents are available to treat insomnia short term. Recently, two new novel agents have been added to the armamentarium of drugs that have some advantages over older, traditional agents.

Key Words: insomnia, • elderly, • age changes in sleep, • benzodiazepines, • zolpidem, • zaleplon.

Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 13, No. 4, 316-326 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/089719000001300409


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