Prevalance of Insomnia Among Elderly Patients Attending Teritiary Care Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders among elderly society constitute a substantial public health problem. It is estimated that nearly 50% of people aged 55years and older have trouble sleeping, including initiating and maintaining sleep. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders among elderly patients attending tertiary care hospital.
 METHODS: The study included a total of 60 people – aged 60 or older 27 women (45%) and 33 men (55%). Data was collected from elderly patients attending tertiary care hospital and were screened for cognitive impairment by using mini mental state examination (MMSE). Patients who had MMSE score more than 24 were studied.
 The study used two standardized psychometric scales: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).
 RESULTS: As per insomnia severity index scale (ISI) out of 60 patients ,n=18(30%) had mild insomnia n=13(21.67) had moderate insomnia and n=1(1.67%) severe insomnia ,where as n=28(46.67%) had no insomnia.
 As per Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) out of 60 patients ,n=3(05%) had mild day time sleepiness and n=57(95%) had no sleepiness. As per the study there is significant correlation between ISI and ESS .There was a statistically significant association between increasing age and insomnia in elderly patients. The incidence of comorbidities in the patients complaining of insomnia was analyzed. Cardiovascular disorders were the most common followed by Diabetes mellites and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
 CONCLUSION: Sleep conditions, particularly insomnia, constitute an important social and health problem among elderly people visiting tertiary care hospital. In light of the obtained study results, it is suggested to conduct and improve existing health education plans aimed at the elderly regarding sleep disorders to improve the quality of their sleep, and thus quality of life, and raise the alertness of the elderly about the importance of sleep in everyday life. There is a need for further research in the field of sleep disorders in the elderly to determine the prevalence of these disorders on a nationwide scale.