Abstract
As the world's population ages, it is imperative that clinicians be familiar with sleep disorders that are common in older adults. Insomnia affects 25-45% of adults over the age of 64. Sleep apnea affects 24-42% of older adults and periodic limb movement disorder affects 45% of older adults. Appreciating sleep disturbances in the geriatric patient is an important part of a thorough and thoughtful geriatric psychiatry evaluation. The differential diagnosis of insomnia and sleep apnea includes restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, REM behavior disorder, and circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Identifying and treating sleep disturbances in late life is important in alleviating the burden of disease on the patient, minimizing caregiver burnout, and reducing the rate of institutionalization.