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Insomnia in older adult — ABFM Board MCQ

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EasyGeriatricsInsomnia in older adultABFM Board

A 73-year-old woman asks for sleeping pills. She wakes often and naps late in the day. She takes no alcohol and has no severe depression or sleep apnea symptoms. Which of the following would you advise this patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Recommend CBT-I and sleep schedule changes rather than benzodiazepines

CBT-I is preferred for chronic insomnia, and sedative-hypnotics or anticholinergics raise fall and cognitive risks in older adults.

Reference: American Family Physician clinical reviews and AAFP guidance: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp.html