Assessing ambulatory geriatric sleep complaints.

Sleep disturbances afflict more than 50% of adults age 65 and older. Sleep apnea and periodic limb movements of sleep are the primary sleep disorders in the elderly. Patient assessment tools, a thorough physical examination, and appropriate tests can simplify the diagnostic process; sleep center referral is not always warranted. Ultimately, accurate sleep disorder diagnoses can result in decreased geriatric morbidity and mortality, and increased patient quality of life.