Research Article
Ahmad E, Ansari AH, Khan RM
Abstract
Background and objective: Insomnia is far from being a problem of the modern society as it has been affecting human being since beginning of time. The initial references of insomnia, the inability to initiate and/or to maintain asleep, date back to the ancient Greeks. Insomnia is more common among older adults and its prevalence increases with increasing age. Present study was carried out to measure the prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among the elderly. Methods: The present study was cross sectional conducted in the hospital of NIUM, Bangalore, in one year duration. A total of 600 elderly patients comprising of 421 males and 179 females were taken in the study. A pretested and semi structured schedule was designed in such a manner that more information regarding demographic profile, insomnia conditions and associated factors could be collected. Main emphasis was given to asking questions about insomnia and its associated factors and morbidity so that final diagnosis could be made i.e. whether patient is suffering from insomnia or not. Result: The present study revealed 82.17% prevalence of insomnia, 72.44% were in age group of 60 and 84.77% were in age group of above 60, which shows that prevalence increases with increasing age. 80.76% males and 85.47% females were suffering from insomnia, which shows that insomnia is more common among females. Likewise 56.8% of insomnia patients were not doing any type of physical exercise. Diet play an important role in the development of insomnia especially mixed type diet, result shows that 82.35% were on mix type diet. In this study 60.24% having difficulty in falling asleep, 58.21% having difficulty in staying asleep and 49.89% were having early awakening problem. Interpretation and Conclusion: Present study revealed that there is strong relationship between insomnia and old age (non-modifiable factor), it is also revealed that some life style factors, like dietary habits, exercise, occupation etc., have a strong relationship with insomnia in elderly. Thus it can be concluded that modification in life style and in modifiable factors can have positive impact on insomnia in elderly.