Screening and evaluation tools for sleep disorders in older adults

Abstract

The negative effects of impaired sleep on physical and mental well-being in older adults have recently been recognized by health care professionals. However, researchers and clinicians may be unaware of reliable and valid screening and evaluation tools for evaluating sleep disorders in older adults. The purpose of this article is to present subjective and objective instruments that measure sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome that are appropriate for use in adult and older adult patients.

Keywords: Actigraphy; Insomnia; Polysomnography; Questionnaires; Restless leg syndrome; Sleep apnea.