Sleep

Doctors Failing to Treat Sleep Problems in Elderly

Saturday, October 13, 2007—In an article in Madison, Wisconsin's Capital Times, Anita Weier reports that while area hospitals have opened free-standing sleep centers to support residents who can't sleep, too many patients — especially the elderly — are still not receiving treatment due to a communication gap with doctors.

The article is based in part upon our report: "The Role of Sleep in Healthy Aging" which recommends educating older people to recognize that sleep problems are not a normal part of aging, and encourages them to discuss sleep issues with their doctors.

The article also draws on a study by Northwestern University professor and Age Boom Academy alumnus Phyllis Zee, who questioned and then checked the medical charts of 1,500 people aged 62 to 100 who visited primary care sites in the Chicago area.

They found that 69 percent reported at least one sleep difficulty, 40 percent had two or more. Even when patients reported five different sleep problems, however, their doctors noted the issue in the patients' charts only 19 percent of the time.

The study found that short-term sleep restriction in laboratories resulted in:

• impaired blood sugar control
• increased appetite
• higher blood pressure
• inflammation
• memory and concentration
• increased risk of falls at night

The article offers several tips on sleep "hygiene" for a better night's rest, including regular exercise, but finishing at least three hours before bedtime, and keeping a sleep diary so you can describe problems to your doctor without having to rely on memory.

Related Links: Read the Full Article, The Role of Sleep in Healthy Aging

Keywords: sleep

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