Dados do Trabalho

Título

Sleep Disorders and Use of Sleep-Inducing Medications in the Elderly: An Analysis of the Brazilian Population

Introdução

Introduction: The elderly population is continuously growing, with projections indicating that it will reach around 2 billion individuals by 2050. Among the health issues affecting this age group, insomnia is a prevalent condition. Studies show that approximately 50% of adults experience sleep-related disorders, with the prevalence of insomnia among the elderly ranging from 30% to 48%, compared to the general average of 12% to 20%. Insomnia is commonly characterized by dissatisfaction with sleep.

Objetivo

Aims: This study aims to analyze the prevalence of sleep problems and the use of sleep-inducing medications among Brazilian elderly, considering variables such as race, gender, and age group.

Métodos

Methods: The descriptive research was conducted using data from the National Health Survey – 2019 (PNS), carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Resultados

Results: The prevalence of sleep disorders in the Brazilian population was estimated at 35.1%. Regarding the use of sleep-inducing medications, the prevalence was 8.5%. According to the analysis of 94,114 respondents, a higher incidence of sleep problems was observed among women (41.84%), individuals self-identified as Indigenous (39.95%), and those aged 60 years or older (42.05%). Regarding the use of sleep-inducing medications, the prevalence among men was 5.21%, while among women it was 11.51%. By race, about 10.37% of whites, 8.68% of Indigenous individuals, and 7.18% of Black individuals reported using these medications. Considering age groups, the use of sleep-inducing medications was reported by 3.03% of individuals aged 15 to 29 years, 8.7% of those aged 30 to 59 years, and 15.27% of those aged 60 years or older. Thus, the prevalence of sleep-inducing medication use was higher among women (11.51%), whites (10.37%), and the elderly (15.27%).

Conclusões

Conclusion: The high prevalence of sleep-inducing medication use among the elderly, particularly among women, may indicate both the burden of responsibilities they face and a tendency to seek treatment to improve sleep quality. However, prolonged use of these medications may exacerbate sleep disorders. In this context, it is imperative to adopt a more careful approach to managing insomnia in the elderly, prioritizing non-pharmacological interventions. These measures are essential for promoting healthier sleep and improving the quality of life for the elderly.

Palavras -chave

Sleep-Inducing Medications; Elderly; insomnia