Causes of sleep disorders in the elderly

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Bui Ngoc Phuong Hoa - General Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International Hospital.

Most of the elderly, the elderly often experience insomnia, less sleep, difficulty sleeping at night, adversely affecting health.

Sleep disorder in the elderly is a fairly common disease not only in Vietnam but also in many parts of the world. As you get older, your living and sleeping habits change accordingly. As a result, it leads to disorders such as:
Difficulty falling asleep Less time sleeping Frequently waking up in the middle of the night Not getting a good night's sleep This can lead to health concerns such as increased risk of fatigue at night daytime or even fainting.

2.1. Primary Sleep Disorders Primary Sleep Disorders – not due to other medical or psychiatric causes:
Due to functional impairment: a consequence of the natural aging process. As the age increases, the cells and organs in the body gradually become aging, in which the nerve cells are destroyed and their function declines compared to young people, causing insomnia, difficulty sleeping, feeling tired all the time. feel drowsy or restless. Apnea or interrupted breathing during sleep. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Feeling a strong urge to move your legs while sleeping. Cyclic disorder of limbs, also known as unconscious movements of limbs. Disrupted circadian rhythm sleep or sleep-wake cycle. REM sleep behavior disorder. Insomnia is both a symptom and a disease. Depression, anxiety or dementia are all factors that increase the risk of sleep disorders, especially insomnia. 2.2. Sleep disorders due to medical diseases The elderly are often susceptible to diseases that are related to and directly affect health, causing sleep disturbances, the most common are chronic bone and joint diseases with chronic diseases. recurrent aches and pains leading to difficulty sleeping, insomnia, poor sleep...
In addition, diseases such as chronic bronchitis, prolonged cough, asthma; Gastrointestinal diseases such as stomach pain, colitis, bloating, indigestion, frequent urination at night, diabetes... also lead to insomnia, difficulty sleeping, affecting the health of the elderly.
A study of sleep-related problems among older adults in Singapore demonstrated that people with sleep problems often have comorbidities and are sedentary. These diseases include: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, chronic pain, cardiovascular, neurological, digestive, respiratory, urinary disorders...
2.3 Drug-induced sleep disorders

Some drugs can affect sleep in the elderly, such as:
Diuretics for people with high blood pressure or glaucoma. Anticholinergics for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Antihypertensive drugs. Corticosteroids (prednisone) are used in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Antidepressants. H2-receptor blockers – eg, Zantac or Tagamet – for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers. Levodopa is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Adrenergic drugs are used in life-threatening conditions such as asthma or cardiac arrest. 2.4. Other causes Due to the environment: noise pollution, lack of fresh and airy sleeping space or cramped accommodation... are also the causes of sleep problems and sleep disturbances in the elderly.
Due to unreasonable diet, drinking and living activities: this is also one of the frequent causes of insomnia in the elderly. Not eating enough, not on time, especially regularly drinking alcohol, other stimulants (coffee, solid tea, carbonated drinks) also easily make the patient have difficulty sleeping, insomnia.
Along with the implementation of psychological tests, intensive psychotherapy for diagnosis and treatment, in order to bring the best medical examination and treatment effect.

Psychological Health Clinic - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital has the function of examining, consulting and outpatient treatment of psychological and mental health problems. With modern equipment, Vinmec Psychological Health Clinic is currently cooperating with experienced professors and experts:
MSc. Doctor Nguyen Van Phi - Psychology Specialist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 07 years of experience working as a lecturer at Hanoi Medical University and a member of the Vietnam Psychiatric Association Male. MSc. Dr. Pham Thanh Luan - Psychiatrist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 05 years of experience in researching, examining and treating diseases of the Psychology specialty, trained at prestigious universities trust, practice in-depth expertise in the French Republic. MSc. Doctor Nguyen Trong Hien - Psychiatrist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 06 years as a lecturer in Psychology - Hanoi Medical University and Central Geriatric Hospital with the same experience Researching, examining and treating diseases under the specialty of Psychology such as: Emotional disorders, Stress related disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, developmental disorders in children, adolescents & childbearing period. ... Along with the implementation of psychological tests, intensive psychotherapy for diagnosis and treatment, in order to bring the best medical examination and treatment effect.