Prevalence of sleep disorders in the Algerian geriatric population: results of a door-to-door survey

Introduction: Sleep disorders are the health issue of the century, the entire population can suffer from them, especially the geriatric population. Our goal was to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in subjects aged 65 and older.

Method: Between the 1^st and the 30 ^th of November 2017, we carried out an epidemiological survey on sleep in the municipality of El Biar (Algiers) comprising a sample of 514 individuals. Screening questionnaires were used to identify participants most likely to have sleeping issues.

Results: The survey revealed information on the sleep status of the population: 12.6% suffered from insomnia; 5.25% consumed sleeping pills; 18.09% slept insufficiently; 40.08% were snorers; 23.54% suffered of sleep apnea; 62, 06 % reported daytime sleepiness. 54, 47% took naps. 5, 25% had Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder and restless leg syndrome was found in 21.6% of respondents.

Conclusion: Our survey confirmed on the one hand the frequency of sleep disorders in our elderly subjects and on the other hand, it allowed us to determine the profiles and sleep disorders in the Algerian geriatric population.