The cause of a sleep disorder must be determined before treatment can be instituted

• In the elderly sleep disorders may have multiple coexisting etiologies
  
  
• Ask about the type of sleep disturbance -- whether there is trouble falling asleep, many and long nighttime awakenings, early morning final awakening, daytime sleepiness, and the duration of the present problem
  
  
• Also, ask about usual bedtime, napping patterns, activities before bedtime, emotional problems, general health, medication, and alcohol and caffeine use.

Copyright 2000