Steps to Help Insomnia in Seniors

Researchers have presented a 5-pronged approach to diagnose and manageinsomnia in the elderly. If followed, the data show that physicians could help lowersleep disturbances in the senior population. The steps, outlined in the Journal ofBehavioral Sleep Medicine's insomnia supplement (July 2005), include the following:

• Detection by questioning of the patient
• Elaboration of the problem
• Determination of medical or psychiatric emergency
• Further assessment of chronic insomnia, if present
• Intervention, which can include pharmacologic therapy