As we age our sleep patterns change, so as seniors we may become sleepy earlier, wake up earlier, or enjoy less deep sleep.\u00a0 A study of adults over 65 found that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep.<\/p>\n
So it may explain why the use of sleep medications is on the rise. But with it, come some potentially serious side effects<\/p>\n
A recent HealthDay \u00a0story found that researchers studying\u00a0 emergency-room cases involving sleep medications such as Ambien, increased sharply from about 6,000 in 2005 to more than 19,000 in 2010.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen were more often affected than men. The findings revealed that during the study time frame, there was a 274 percent increase in the number of women who went to the emergency room due to a reaction involving zolpidem (the active ingredient in Ambien), compared to a 144 percent increase among men. In 2010 alone, women accounted for 68 percent of all trips to the emergency room for an adverse reaction related to zolpidem, the researchers said.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study\u2019s authors also noted that adverse reactions to these sleep aids could be worsened when the medication is taken with other substances, such as certain anti-anxiety drugs and narcotic pain relievers<\/p>\n
Caregivers should look for signs that a senior might be having an adverse reaction from their sleep- medication. These include:\u00a0\u00a0 daytime drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, agitation, sleep-walking and drowsiness while driving.<\/p>\n
It is important to talk with a senior\u2019s healthcare team to see if a sleep medication has been prescribed, and determine if a senior is taking the proper dose or having adverse reactions.\u00a0 While visiting, also look for over-the-counter sleep medications.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re unsure about sleeping medication use, a home caregiver from Assisting Hands can provide guidance.<\/p>\n
by Richard Ueberfluss PT, MBA, FACHE,<\/p>\n
president of Assisting Hands\/Naperville-Hinsdale<\/p>\n