Poor sleep is not a normal part of aging

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., July 15 (UPI) -- Researchers at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., say poor sleep is not a normal part of aging.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, outlines five basic steps to help doctors identify and treat insomnia in elderly patients.

The researchers say insomnia is a common problem that warrants increased attention from doctors who care for older adults. They say the five stop could help to reduce sleep disturbances in the geriatric population.

The steps include (1) detection through asking patients questions, (2) elaboration of the problem, (3) determining if there is a medical or psychiatric emergency, (4) further evaluation of chronic insomnia, if present, and (5) intervention, which can include pharmacological treatment.

"The perception of sleeping poorly, coupled with daytime sequelae such as fatigue or irritability, is cause for seeking medical help," said W. Vaughn McCall, author of the study.

He said insomnia can be caused by numerous factors, but can be treated successfully either through lifestyle and behavioral changes or through medications.

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Hypnogogia

"O Sleep, rest of all things, mildest of the gods, balm of the soul..."

(Iris to Hypnos. Ovid, Metamorphoses)