Sleep Med Psychophysiol.
2001 Jun;8(1):18-21.
Parasomnias in the Elderly
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and Division of Sleep Studies, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- The change of sleep pattern is one of the most often altered normal physiological functions in elderly people. Besides normal change of sleep, insomnia and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) are (one of) the main complains. In addition, parasomnia is also frequent in this age group. Several parasomnias frequently found in the elderly are reviewed. Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and REM sleep behavior disorder are the most frequent parasomnias in old age. Most parasomnias could be diagnosed by polysomnography, and be treated easily. Therefore, early and precise diagnosis and management for parasomnia in aging people are needed.
