Health Tip: Sleep Disturbances Among the Elderly

(HealthDay News) -- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, getting too much sleep, and lack of quality sleep are common problems for the elderly.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, here are some frequent causes:

• Lack of exercise.
• Depression.
• Chronic pain caused by arthritis and similar conditions.
• Certain chronic diseases, including congestive heart failure.
• Need to urinate frequently.
• Use of caffeine, prescription drugs, or alcohol.
• Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer''s.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: March 01, 2007

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