Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Disorders and Co-Morbidities in the Care of the Older Person

Sleep complaints can be both common and complex in the older patient. Their consideration is an important aspect of holistic care, and may have an impact on quality of life, mortality, falls and disease risk. Sleep assessment should form part of the comprehensive geriatric assessment. If sleep disturbance is brought to light, consideration of sleep disorders, co-morbidity and medication management should form part of a multifaceted approach. Appreciation of the bi-directional relationship and complex interplay between co-morbidity and sleep in older patients is an important element of patient care. This article provides a brief overview of sleep disturbance and sleep disorders in older patients, in addition to their association with specific co-morbidities including depression, heart failure, respiratory disorders, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, nocturia, pain, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, polypharmacy and falls. A potential systematic multidomain approach to assessment and management is outlined, with an emphasis on non-pharmacological treatment where possible.