Insomnia and anxiety in older adults

Abstract

A share of older persons among the general population has been increasing. Mental health is the most important determinant of health status of older people. Anxiety in later life is the most common mental disease. Various diseases and symptoms often occur at the advanced age. In older adults, anxiety disorders are associated with an increased risk of comorbidities. Although insomnia is not a normal part of the ageing process, its prevalence increases with age. Many older people experience dissatisfaction with the quantity and quality of sleep, even if they get enough sleep. Ageing is associated with some changes in parameters of sleep architecture and continuity. There are several demographic, psychosocial, biological, and behavioural factors that may contribute to insomnia later in life. Older people are subject to greater risk for the physical and mental consequences of insomnia. Patients with long-term insomnia usually experience anxiety and depression. Evidence suggests that there is a complex bidirectional relationship between insomnia and anxiety in the elderly. Sleep disturbances are part of the anxiety disorder pattern. Therefore, healthcare workers must obtain comprehensive information about the health and sleep status of older people to correctly diagnose insomnia, anxiety, and identify potential correlates of these disorders. Taking a careful and complete medical history and performing a thorough physical examination is the most important aspect of their evaluation. If insomnia and anxiety are diagnosed in later life, therapy should include non-drug and drug treatments, taking into account possible side effects.