Evidenced Based Research of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Sleep in the Community Dwelling Older Adult

Abstract

Older adults who complain of sleep disturbances frequently find their concerns are ignored or are considered a normal part of aging. Sleep disturbances are common in older adults and should receive prompt assessment and treatment due to outcomes of decreased quality of life, increased health care costs, and, more importantly, increased morbidity and mortality in combination with a variety of chronic illnesses. Treatment options for older adults may include use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This paper provides an overview of complementary and alternative medicine in older adults and will provide evidenced based research on CAM for sleep that may be used in the older adult. Implications for health care providers who care for older adults in the community will be included.