More than Insomnia: Other Sleep Disorders Are Common in Older Adults

Many older adults struggle with insomnia. Now a new study shows that in older adults other sleep disorders are common too.

The study involved 892 people between the ages of 70 and 89. Results show that 59 percent had signs of at least one sleep disorder other than insomnia.

Data were gathered by questionnaire. Symptoms were reported by a person who sleeps in the same room as the participant.

Sleep-related leg cramps was the most common sleep disorder. Symptoms were present in 32 percent of participants.



The second and third most common sleep disorders were obstructive sleep apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep. Other common sleep disorders were REM sleep behavior disorder, restless legs syndrome and sleepwalking.

“All of these sleep disorders can disrupt a person’s quality of life, because they affect sleep,” lead researcher Dr. Jennifer Molano said in a Mayo Clinic statement. “But if these problems are recognized, an accurate diagnosis could lead to successful treatment.”

Older adults can get help for sleep problems at an AASM-accredited sleep center. Get sleep tips for older adults on SleepEducation.com.