033 – Safer Treatments for Insomnia in Aging

Dr. K explains how to safely and effectively treat insomnia in older adults, and why most seniors should avoid sleeping pills, which are bad for brain health. She also covers approaches to treating sleep problems in Alzheimer's.

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In This Episode:

Dr. K explains how to safely treat insomnia in older adults, and why most seniors should avoid sleeping pills. She covers:

Why it’s essential to identify the cause(s) of sleep problems, before starting or continuing to use sleeping pills

Why over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids, such as diphenhydramine, benzodiazepines, and “z-drugs” such as zolpidem, are bad for memory and balance

Three proven insomnia treatments that are effective and safer than pills

Where to find cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia online

Approaches to treating sleep problems in people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias

Related episode: 

032 – 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging

Related Resources:

How Sleep Affects Health & Changes with Aging

5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Seniors, & Proven Ways to Treat Insomnia

Insomniacs Are Helped by Online Therapy, Study Finds

Online insomnia therapy programs: SHUTi and Sleepio

The Insomnia Workbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Sleep You Need

How to Manage Sleep Problems in Dementia

How You Can Help Someone Stop Ativan

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