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Semin Neurol 2005; 25(1): 52-63
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-867076
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Sleep in the Geriatric Patient Population

Alon Y. Avidan1
  • 1Department of Neurology, Michael S. Aldrich Sleep Disorders Laboratory, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 March 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Older patients often suffer from sleep disturbances caused by age-related physiological changes, polypharmacy, changes in circadian rhythm, retirement, and loss of spouse. Many seniors have readily diagnosed sleep disorders that can be treated to achieve improvement in daytime somnolence or cognitive impairments. After a discussion of normal age-related changes in sleep, specific sleep pathologies common in the elderly will be reviewed, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, advanced sleep phase syndrome, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.

KEYWORDS

Sleep - aging - sleep apnea - periodic leg movements - restless legs syndrome - circadian rhythms

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Alon Y AvidanM.D. M.P.H. 

Department of Neurology, Michael S. Aldrich Sleep Disorders Laboratory, University of Michigan Health Systems

8D-8702 University Hospital, Box 0117, 1500 East Medical Center Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0117

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