In This Episode:
Dr. K explains how to safely treat insomnia in older adults, and why most seniors should avoid sleeping pills. She covers:
- Why it’s essential to identify the cause(s) of sleep problems, before starting or continuing to use sleeping pills
- Why over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids, such as diphenhydramine, benzodiazepines, and “z-drugs” such as zolpidem, are bad for memory and balance
- Three proven insomnia treatments that are effective and safer than pills
- Where to find cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia online
- Approaches to treating sleep problems in people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
Related episode:
032 – 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging
Related Resources:
- How Sleep Affects Health & Changes with Aging
- 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Seniors, & Proven Ways to Treat Insomnia
- Insomniacs Are Helped by Online Therapy, Study Finds
- Online insomnia therapy programs: SHUTi and Sleepio
- The Insomnia Workbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Sleep You Need
- How to Manage Sleep Problems in Dementia
- How You Can Help Someone Stop Ativan
Leave a Reply