INSOMNIA IN THE GERIATRIC POPULATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Insomnia in the elderly is a complex issue that demands a careful approach, especially from a psychiatric perspective. This sleep disorder is common in the geriatric population and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including age-related biological changes, coexisting medical conditions, medication use, and psychological issues. As we age, natural changes occur in sleep patterns. Elderly people tend to have more fragmented and less deep sleep, which can contribute to insomnia. The decrease in the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, is also a common reality at this stage of life and can significantly affect the quality of sleep. Therefore, this narrative literature review brought together articles from the main databases aiming to indicate non-drug therapeutic options for insomnia in the elderly. It was concluded that the main non-drug treatment options for managing insomnia in the elderly include sleep hygiene education, behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.