University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

LINKS

INSOMNIA IS NOT A NORMAL RESULT OF GROWING OLDER

Do you, or a loved one, suffer from insomnia, or persistent lack of sleep? We know that insomnia is more common in elders, but it is not an inevitable part of aging. Medical conditions, medications, pain, stress, and mental health problems are some of the causes of insomnia.

Insomnia is uncomfortable; in addition, it can lead to health problems and depression.  Doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are currently studying investigational treatments for elders with chronic insomnia.

Here are some common signs of insomnia in late life. Do any of these sound like you, or someone close to you?

• Do you find it hard to fall asleep at night?

• Is your sleep restless and unsatisfying?

• Do you wake up early in the morning and are unable to get back to sleep?

Our center offers the following services at no charge for individuals over the age of 60 who may be suffering from insomnia:

•  Evaluation and consultation

• If appropriate, overnight sleep study (polysomnography)

• If eligible, participation in one of our research studies involving an investigational medication for insomnia.

If you would like help for yourself, or a loved one, please call our center at (412) 246-6006, between 9am and 4:30pm. Or, contact us via email: Barb Tracey, MSN, study coordinator: traceybj@msx.upmc.edu.

Also, you can read about us on the internet.

Depression  Anxiety  Insomnia  Grief  Home