Abstract
Since insomnia problems may precipitate residential placement or may complicate successful adaptation to residential living, treatment is warranted. A thoughtful approach is important because the causes of sleeping difficulties in older patients are manifold, and injudicious treatment is potentially fraught with complications. The goal of treatment should include relief of the daytime consequences as well as the nighttime sleep disturbance of insomnia. Treatment Should be directed toward any underlying medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause, emphasizing nonpharmacologic approaches first. Symptomatic use of hypnotic agents ideally should be of short duration, and shorter-acting hypnotic medications should be favored as a means of avoiding potential sedative-related complications such as falls.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 58-63 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Annals of Long-Term Care |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 9 |
State | Published - Nov 25 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gerontology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology