[Sleep in old age and its disorders].

Ageing is associated with deterioration of the quality of nocturnal sleep, more frequent siestas in the afternoon, a forward shift of sleep in the 24-hour cycle. In old age sleep disorders are more frequent such as sleep apnoea, the restless feet syndrome, periodic movements of the lower extremities and others. The authors present an account of changes of sleep and vigilance and the most frequent sleep disorders in old age.