Researchers found that sleep problems are common among older adults and can significantly impact their physical and mental health. Despite this, the way sleep is assessed in Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGAs) varies widely. These assessments are crucial for understanding the overall health of older individuals, but it remains unclear how often sleep issues are evaluated or which methods are used.

For people looking to age well, understanding and addressing sleep quality is essential. Poor sleep can lead to issues like decreased energy, cognitive decline, and increased risk of chronic diseases. The review highlighted that more than half of the studies examined used various tools to assess sleep, with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index being the most popular. However, many assessments relied on general questions, often about difficulties falling asleep, rather than standardized tools.

The evidence comes from a systematic review of 136 studies, indicating that sleep assessments are frequently conducted by nurses and geriatricians, mainly in outpatient settings. This suggests that while sleep is an important aspect of health for older adults, there is no consistent approach to assessing it within CGAs. The findings underscore the need for clearer guidelines on how to evaluate sleep in these assessments, which could lead to better overall health and well-being for older individuals.

Source: academic.oup.com