Silver Sleepers: Sleep and Ageing

 Sleep difficulties and disorders are among the most prevalent problems of ageing. In addition to changes in sleep duration and quality, sleep architecture also changes as age progresses. Age by itself does not result in sleep disorders; rather, these changes are associated with psychosocial and health factors in the elderly such as the existence of multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and age-related changes in circadian rhythm. Older adults have increased prevalence of various primary sleep disorders, including restless leg syndrome, insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, circadian rhythm disturbances and periodic limb syndrome. Challenges in identifying, diagnosing, and treating sleep disorders in older adults with dementia also exist, which further complicates the management of sleep disorders in these patients. Poor sleep not only impacts the quality of life and cognitive functioning but is also associated with increased morbidity and mortality and thus requires careful screening and assessment in the elderly population.

Keywords: Ageing, Comorbidities, Dementia, Depression, Geriatric, Insomnia, Restless leg Syndrome, Sleep disorders, Sleep, Sleep Stages, Sleep-disordered breathing.