Not sleeping enough and just not sleeping are common complaints of the elderly. Often these problems are thought to be a normal process of aging. However, individuals with such complaints likely have an underlying sleep disorder.
To date there are more than 80 known sleep disorders; they affect all races, sexes and age groups. Some of the more common sleep disorders include: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (characterized by irregular breathing at night), Insomnia (difficulties falling or staying asleep), Restless Legs Syndrome (complaints of discomfort in ones limbs resulting in difficulties falling or staying asleep), and Narcolepsy (characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness).
It has been estimated that greater than 60 percent of the United States adult population experiences sleep problems and that approximately 95 percent of these sleep problems remain undiagnosed. The effects of these sleep disorders range from an occasional night of frustration, to life threatening conditions. Sleep disorders can substantially impair physical, cognitive and emotional functioning.
Perhaps the most devastating effects of sleep disorders (when looking across all age groups) is motor vehicle accidents. Previous polls have shown that approximately 1/3 of drivers admit to driving drowsy and 1/5 of drivers admit to falling asleep while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates conservatively that drowsy driving is responsible for more then 100,000 motor vehicle accidents, 70,000 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities.
Sleep disorders, especially when left untreated, have been found to either cause or exacerbate multiple medical conditions including: high blood pressure, cardiac disease, irregular heart rhythms, strokes, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, headaches and chronic pain syndromes, esophageal reflux, as well as cognitive and sexual dysfunctions.
Sleep disorders, when untreated, have also been shown to result in poor work performance and strained family relationships. These in turn can lead to depressed moods or feelings of anxiety.
If you have any of the following complaints, you may have a sleep disorder, and should discuss your problems with a physician as treatments are available:
Difficulties falling or staying asleep which have lasted greater than one month
Snoring or breathing pauses in sleep
Feelings of discomfort in the legs prior to or during sleep
Excessive movements during sleep
Fatigue or daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep
Sleep-related accidents or injuries or potentially injurious behaviors
