in

A Place for Mom's Family

An Online Community about Eldercare

Article: Insomnia For Seniors

Last post 08-13-2009 10:40 AM by GertrudeCNA. 1 replies.
Page 1 of 1 (2 items)
Sort Posts: Previous Next
  • 04-18-2008 6:38 PM

    Star [*] Article: Insomnia For Seniors

    Insomnia For Seniors

    Everyone experiences an occasional restless night. But for those who toss and turn regularly, it can be a source of intense frustration and may even have serious consequences. Sleep is just as essential as air, water, or food. We need continuous, uninterrupted sleep to restore energy and feel refreshed, and for our health and well-being.

    Difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep, a disorder known as insomnia, is more prevalent than people may realize. In fact, insomnia for seniors is very common, affecting almost 50 percent of adults 60 and older, reports the National Institute of Health. This form of sleep deprivation is often debilitating and can last for days, months, or even years. Normal sleep patterns are disrupted, affecting both sleeping and waking hours. Memory loss, irritability, depression, and a variety of other symptoms can result.

    This article continues at Insomnia For Seniors

  • 08-13-2009 10:40 AM In reply to

    Re: Article: Insomnia For Seniors

    Research groups at both Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst.and Case Western Reserve have recently published that they may be able to help get the 'circadian rhythms' back closer to where they should be, by using blue light. They have been testing the use of blue light indoors, in the community rooms of local nursing homes and in VA hospitals with, they claim, favorable results.  If this is the case, this might be of interest to all seniors, and particularly those with Alzheimer's.

    (Before anyone tries this on their own, be aware that studies have identified the times of day, length of time, etc, that are ideal - and that incorrect or indiscriminate application could be counter-productive).

    Here is a link to an earlier, 2006 article from NeuroPsychiatry Reviews, on the subject.

    In your experience, is there anything to this?  And if so, are there guidelines to practical and effective application?

    Gertrude 

     

    GertrudeCNA
    http://eldercarenotebook.blogspot.com/
Page 1 of 1 (2 items)
About Us   |   Contact Us   |   Search for Senior Care   |   Terms of Service   |   Privacy