Sleep
Disorders Clinic for Seniors
The
Sleep Disorders Clinic for Seniors is a clinic devoted to
addressing the sleep problems that are faced by older adults.
Because of its focus on these patients, they can receive
care that addresses their unique conditions and needs. Many
sleep disorders present in unique ways in the older adults.
For example, insomnia is often caused by other medical conditions
such as CHF or COPD in the elderly, whereas it is often
due to psychological problems in younger patients. Other
conditions occur at a much greater frequency in the elderly,
such as sleep apnea or periodic limb movements. Some studies
suggest that 20-40% of older adults suffer from some type
of sleep disorder. Medication doses are usually different
in seniors because of alterations in renal and liver function
as we age. They physicians at the Sleep Disorders Clinic
for Seniors are aware of these issues and can thereby help
to ensure that the patients receive excellent care. In addition,
the staff at Ralston-Penn Center is trained in helping to
care for seniors and the facility is easily accessible.
The
Sleep Disorders Clinic for Seniors also benefits from its
strong links to the University of Pennsylvania. Many cutting-edge
research projects are underway at the University in the
area of sleep research. These include studies examining
the etiology of insomnia in older adults and the role that
circadian rhythm changes play in causing insomnia; a clinical
trial of CPAP non-invasive ventilation for sleep apnea in
the elderly; a project examining the role of melatonin in
treating insomnia in older adults; and studies on excessive
daytime sleepiness in the elderly. Because of their close
ties to the University, the staff at the Sleep Disorders
Clinic for Seniors can remain at the forefront of medical
science. They can offer to patients the most state-of-the-art
treatments. They are also aware of new developments in our
understanding of disease and the diagnosis of newly discovered
sleep disorders.
Due
to its close links to other clinics for seniors at the Ralston-Penn
Center and clinics at the Hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania, the staff at the Sleep Disorders Clinic for
Seniors are frequently in touch with other doctors who practice
in the health system. This helps to facilitate the transfer
of important and confidential patient information. It also
helps in our mission of ensuring that patients receive prompt,
courteous and high-quality care for their medical conditions.
