Researchers hope new age and sex-based sleep parameters will improve the interpretation of sleep studies and the diagnosis of sleep disorders. They may also help reduce the unnecessary use of sleeping pills by older adults. About one in three older Canadians take sleeping pills, which can double their risk of falling. A systematic review and meta-analyses co-led by Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska consolidated data from more than 160 studies and identified new sleep parameters for men and women in each decade of life. The previous values used by sleep specialists and researchers were developed using primarily young adults and outdated scoring criteria. They were not well suited for understanding sleep in older adults and by sex. This study will lead to more accurate interpretation of sleep studies and help clinicians and researchers understand whether sleep is in the normal range.

“These new sleep parameters for men and women in every decade of their life will help physicians provide better care and help researchers better understand sleep.”- Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska associate scientist and sleep physician at The Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa

Authors: Boulos M.I., Jairam T., Kendzerska T., Im J., Mekhael A., Murray B.J

Source: Lancet Respiratory Medicine

Funding: This study received no dedicated funding. Research like this is possible because of generous donations to The Ottawa Hospital for research to improve patient care.

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The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care. See www.ohri.ca for more information about research at The Ottawa Hospital.

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