Sleep Health

Momentum Discussion

Sleep and Aging: Research & Treatment Implications

January 2022

• The archived Momentum Discussion (link to YouTube)

Far from being an inconvenience, disturbed sleep has serious health consequences ranging from increased likelihood of chronic illness to increased risk for falls, motor vehicle accidents, and institutionalization. The vital role that sleep plays in overall health and well-being is increasingly being recognized on a public health level, and research is seeking to better define effects of sleep and its disorders, as well as the risks and benefits of interventions that address sleep disturbances. This Momentum Discussion reviews emerging data that is helping to better define the risks and benefits of sleep aid use (nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic) by older adults, to better identify effective interventions, and to encourage appropriate medication-taking behaviors among older adults. This Discussion also reviews emerging research to better manage sleep health.

Panelists:

• Elizabeth Galik, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, Professor, Chair of the Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Past President, Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
• Christopher N. Kaufmann, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Data Science in Gerontology, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine
• Katie L. Stone, PhD, Professor, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, Senior Scientist, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute
• Adam P. Spira, PhD, Professor, Vice Chair for Research & Faculty, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Michael V. Vitiello, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle

This Momentum Discussion was designed by GSA along with our clinical partner, the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. The program has received an educational grant from Eisai Pharmaceuticals.

Momentum Discussion Podcast

Successful Conversations with Older Adults about Sleep Disturbances

• Download the Episode
• Bloom et al. Evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and management of sleep disorders in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009 May;57(5):761-89

This episode addresses the need for effective communication with older adults who have sleep disturbances.  As a condition that is underdiagnosed and undertreated, it is important to understand how to address this issue with older people to ensure that the right treatments are provided, and that health and well-being are attained.

Guest:

• Michael V. Vitiello, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle

Host:

• Elizabeth Galik, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, Professor, Chair of the Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing; Past President of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)

This podcast episode was designed by The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) along with our clinical partner, the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. The program has received an educational grant from Eisai Pharmaceuticals.

Webinar

Chronic Insomnia in Older Adults: Epidemiology and Approaches to Assessment in the Primary Care Setting

July 16, 2021

• The archived webinar (link to YouTube)

In this webinar, sleep health experts present information on the value of detecting and treating insomnia in older adult patients in the primary care setting. The presentation addresses insomnia’s impact on various clinical outcomes in older adults and its relationship with other clinical conditions. Appropriate screening tools for primary care teams and key elements of an evaluation are discussed. Presenters also review a clinical case study to illustrate the webinar’s practical implications.

Presented by:

• Elizabeth Galik, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, Professor, Chair of the Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing; Past President, Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
• Christopher N. Kaufmann, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Data Science in Gerontology, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine
• Adam P. Spira, PhD, Professor, Vice Chair for Research & Faculty, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Katie L. Stone, PhD, Professor, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco; Senior Scientist, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute

This webinar is co-developed with Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) and supported by Eisai Inc.