How to Effectively Treat Severe Insomnia in the Elderly?

Update Date: 2024-07-19 Source: Network

Insomnia is one of the common problems among the elderly. According to statistics, approximately 40% of the elderly have experienced insomnia. Long-term insomnia can have severe impacts on the physical and mental health of the elderly, including fatigue, emotional instability, decline in cognitive function, and decreased immunity. Therefore, the issue of insomnia among the elderly requires attention and effective treatment. This article will introduce the common causes and treatment methods of insomnia among the elderly, as well as measures to prevent insomnia.

I. Common Causes of Insomnia Among the Elderly

1. Physiological Factors: As age increases, the physical functions of the elderly gradually decline, including sleep quality. Their sleep duration decreases, and deep sleep time also decreases, making them prone to insomnia.

2. Psychological Factors: Due to aging and the accumulation of life experiences, the elderly tend to have psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can affect their sleep quality.

3. Medication Factors: The elderly often need to take multiple medications, and some of these medications may affect sleep quality, such as diuretics and analgesics.

4. Lifestyle Factors: The elderly's lifestyle may also affect sleep quality, such as eating and drinking before bedtime, watching television, etc.

II. Treatment Methods for Insomnia Among the Elderly

1. Medication: Medication for insomnia among the elderly mainly includes sedative-hypnotics and antidepressants. Among them, sedative-hypnotics are one of the most commonly used drugs, such as diazepam and estazolam. However, these drugs have some adverse reactions, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and dependence, so they should be used cautiously. Antidepressants, such as paroxetine and fluoxetine, can also be used to treat insomnia, but the choice should be based on the specific condition of the patient.

2. Psychological Treatment: Psychological treatment for insomnia among the elderly mainly includes cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation training. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment method that improves sleep quality by changing the patient's cognition and behavior. Relaxation training, including deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help the elderly relax their bodies and minds and promote sleep.

3. Adjustment of Lifestyle: The elderly can improve their sleep quality by adjusting their lifestyle, such as maintaining regular sleep schedules, avoiding eating and drinking before bedtime, controlling water intake, and avoiding excitement before sleep. The elderly can also do some relaxing activities before bedtime, such as walking and listening to music, which can help relax their bodies and minds.