Older People Spend Less Time Asleep

Sherene Chen See is a freelance writer from Toronto, Ontario. We regret that Sherene Chen See's articles are not available on-line.

Guidelines for treating Insomnia In The Older Person

Use the lowest effective dose of a single agent
Use intermittent dosing
Short-term use (do not use hypnotic mediation on a regular basis for >3-4 weeks)
Limited use of sedative-hypnotics (2-4 times per week)
Gradual discontinuation
Monitor for reoccurence of insomnia following discontinuation of medication
Avoid ultra-short-acting benzodiazepines (e.g. triazolam)

Age-related Decline in Melatonin Levels