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38 - Complementary and alternative medicine for sleep disturbances in the elderly

from Part 4 - Treatment of sleep disorders in the elderly

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 August 2010

By
Barbara Wider  and
Max H. Pittler
Edited by
S. R. Pandi-Perumal ,
Jaime M. Monti  and
Andrew A. Monjan
S. R. Pandi-Perumal
Affiliation:
Somnogen Inc, New York
Jaime M. Monti
Affiliation:
Universidad de la República, Uruguay
Andrew A. Monjan
Affiliation:
National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland
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Summary

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) encompass a very diverse array of treatment modalities and diagnostic techniques. Herbal and non-herbal dietary supplements, acupuncture, manipulative therapies, homeopathy, and mind-body interventions are among the most popular CAM modalities used by the general population but many more exist. Individuals using CAM for their sleep disturbances mainly used biologically based therapies such as herbal and other supplements and mind-body therapies, followed by alternative medical systems such as acupuncture, and manipulative treatments. This chapter focuses on treatments that are frequently used to treat sleep disturbances and for which effectiveness and safety have been assessed in controlled clinical trials (CCTs) or randomized clinical trials (RCTs). CAM providers should have experience in treating the elderly and carefully consider their special needs and particular risks. Melatonin is generally safe if used in the short term and at recommended doses.

Keywords

circadian rhythmsmedical illnessesmedicationspsychiatric disorderssleep disturbanceprimary sleep disordersnursing home residentsnon-pharmacological treatments
Type
Chapter
Information
Principles and Practice of Geriatric Sleep Medicine , pp. 403 - 412
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2009

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