Stress

Stress is a major cause of insomnia in the elderly. Significant life changes in the senior’s life can cause extreme stress. These life changes can be the loss of a spouse, loss of family and friends or the loss of independence due to mobility or medical issues.  Too much stress can cause long term (3+ weeks) insomnia. This in turn can lead to elderly depression. Depression in the elderly has many of the typical symptoms of anyone with depression (which we will discuss in a later blog). There is one symptom specific to elderly depression and it is known as Hidden Elderly Depression. Hidden Elderly Depression manifests itself as a physical ailment such as continual stomach pain, etc.  Becoming familiar with all the symptoms of elderly depression can help the senior to maintain a happy and active life.