Sleepiness in the Elderly

Dora Zalai; Arina Bingeliene; Colin Shapiro

doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2017.03.015

Sleepiness in the Elderly

Sleep Med Clin. 2017 Sep;12(3):429-441. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2017.03.015. Epub 2017 May 26.

Authors

Dora Zalai¹, Arina Bingeliene², Colin Shapiro³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 790 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K8, Canada.
² Department of Neurology, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
³ Department of Neurology, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada. Electronic address: colinshapiro@rogers.com.

PMID: 28778240
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2017.03.015

Abstract

Excessive daytime sleepiness has pathologic causes and numerous adverse consequences; therefore, it requires medical attention in older adults. Excessive sleepiness in older adults is often multifactorial and may signal an underlying sleep disorder, chronic medical condition, undiagnosed mood disorder, or side effects of medications. It is associated with increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly. Excessive sleepiness often requires a multi-method assessment in this age group. It is pertinent to take a systematic, step-by-step treatment approach geared toward the underlying cause, and to treat sleepiness directly, when the cause cannot be eliminated to prevent adverse outcomes.

Keywords: Elderly; Excessive daytime sleepiness; Older adults.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Aging*
Cognitive Dysfunction / complications*
Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / chemically induced
Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / diagnosis*
Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / etiology*
Humans
Mood Disorders / complications*