As we age, our sleep changes. Sleep complaints have many causes: other medical problems, medications, or a primary sleep disorder.
Illnesses and the medications to threat them may cause insomnia
or drowsiness or may cause disrupted sleep. Several primary sleep
disorders are more common as we age. Sleep apnea (the brief cessation
of breathing during sleep) is associated with
other medical problems such as hypertension, stroke, and heart
attack. Periodic limb movements during sleep (twitching or arms
or legs) affect nearly half of people older than age 65 and may
cause insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Restless legs
syndrome (an unpleasant, creepy sensation experienced most often
in the legs while sitting or lying down) is a common cause of
insomnia.
If you think that a sleep disorder, illness, or medication may be causing your sleep complaints, talk to your health care provider. Sleep problems can be improved with the right treatment.
For
information or to receive an Advantage Plus membership
brochure,
call the Health Referral Service at [434] 799-WELL
or toll-free
at 1-877-799-WELL or email
the Advantage Plus Program.
Illnesses and the medications to threat them may cause insomnia
or drowsiness or may cause disrupted sleep. Several primary sleep
disorders are more common as we age. Sleep apnea (the brief cessation
of breathing during sleep) is associated 
with
other medical problems such as hypertension, stroke, and heart
attack. Periodic limb movements during sleep (twitching or arms
or legs) affect nearly half of people older than age 65 and may
cause insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Restless legs
syndrome (an unpleasant, creepy sensation experienced most often
in the legs while sitting or lying down) is a common cause of
insomnia.