Pills, glass of water and alarm clock on a bed side table

Insomnia: Are sleeping pills the answer?

Sleep is a fundamental part of promoting our overall health. As we age, it is common for us to experience changes in our sleep. It may become harder to fall asleep, or you may wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning. But what can you do when a good night's sleep is hard to get? In this video, Dr. Tricia Woo talks about sleep in older adults, lifestyle changes to promote good quality sleep, and the use of sleeping pills for insomnia.

 

Learn the answers to the following questions:

  • Why is sleep important?
  • What are common sleep problems?
  • Are there health conditions that are associated with sleep problems?
  • What non-medication strategies can help with sleep?
  • Which medication strategies are effective in improving sleep?

Want to test your knowledge? After watching this video take this quick 4-question quiz.

Give us your feedback with this 2-question survey.

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References

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Acknowledgements

This work is supported through the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging and funds provided by the Dean and Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).