• Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, Sr Consultant Geriatrician and Chair of Geriatrics and Long Term Care Department, HMC, and team
  • Dr. Tasleem Raza, Sr. Consultant Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
As people grow old, several variations are seen with the pattern and duration of sleep, which in most instances constitute a part of the normal ageing process. Sleep-related disorders commonly seen in older adults could also stem from psychiatric disorders, medical comorbidities, polypharmacy, and complex social circumstances. Interestingly, studies have also indicated that poor sleep in older adults is often associated with significant higher hospitalization, increased mortality, and higher suicide rates. It is imperative that healthcare professionals routinely caring for elderly individuals should have an insight into the common causes and detrimental effects of disrupted sleep patterns on their mental and physical well-being.