Article Review on “Mindfulness Meditation and Improvement in Sleep Quality and Daytime Impairment Among Older Adults with Sleep Disturbances” Introduction

The article by Black et al. (2015) evaluating sleep patterns, assesses these issues and explores treatment techniques for the three prevalent sleep disorders among the elderly. It also discusses the consequences of geriatric HCPs in clinical practice who are caretakers of the older population living within communities. The authors argue that treating sleep problems remains essential in alleviating chronic health complications, lowering health costs, and increasing health and wellness of individuals, particularly, the elderly. The following study explores the presented argument by considering the evidence and interprets the findings from the authors. Moreover, it points out the application of the results in resolving issues. Sleep-related disorders emerging from psychological and health problems may be addressed adequately through preventive and curative measures translating to positive outcomes for patients and the society.

Authors’ Argument and Presented Evidence

The authors’ highlight the significance of addressing sleep problems, a critical step in reducing chronic health complications that also extends to cutting down health costs and improving the well-being of individuals. They do so by exploring sleep disorders among the elderly and providing available solutions to these issues. The article identifies that a majority of people sleep 7 to 8 hours a day over a one period (Black et al. 2015). In this case, the body’s circadian rhythm psychologically controls sleep although reduced sleep duration and depth may occur among the elderly. Moreover, sleep complications could be linked to comorbid illnesses including diabetes mellitus, depression, arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease among others. Furthermore, problems with falling or remaining asleep could arise from nocturia or illnesses that cause pain (Black et al. 2015). Medications that treat comorbid complications could cause daytime drowsiness or sleeping problems during the night. Black...

(2015) identified traditional sleep disorders among the elderly that include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Therefore, addressing these challenges remains essential in attaining positive results on social and economic segments.
While dealing with insomnia, a condition that describes problems in falling or remaining asleep over an extended period, the authors present prescriptive and nonprescriptive techniques. Among pharmacological approaches, they mention nonprescription medications that can be obtained over the counter (OTC) and include antihistamines and herbs. They also suggest popular OTC in the U.S. that includes Dromias and Ambiatol. In contrast, prescription medicine includes benzodiazepines and melatonin agonists. Furthermore, the authors introduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which stems from breathing anomalies and obesity among other causative factors. Medical treatments for OSA include surgery, which could counter this condition among young people, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy (Black et al. 2015). Furthermore, the article introduces restless legs syndrome, which stems from iron metabolism and dopamine dysfunction. The problem could result in an increased urge to move legs when one is at rest or during the night. Consequently, it results in excessive daytime sleepiness and anxiety among other issues. Medical treatments for this condition are limited to pharmacologic therapies that include dopamine and opioid medications. As a result, there exist approaches to deal with these circumstances thereby improving the quality of life among individuals.

Arguably, a thorough physical assessment of sleep disorders is critical in pointing out these complaints and consequently solving them. In this case, it becomes essential to identify factors such as sleep habits, sleep environment, and sleep hygiene. A collection of such information is critical in the development of strategies for countering these problems. Furthermore, the authors introduce a sleep diary that puts factors affecting sleep into perspective. According to them, an examination of these aspects remains critical…