Older people have a slower metabolism and less energy consumption, so they generally sleep less, and 5-6 hours of sleep a day is enough. Some elderly people have short sleep at night, but they can use the daytime to get high to make up for the lack of sleep, this situation can not be considered insomnia. True insomnia, on the other hand, is a pathology. When you have insomnia, it is best not to rush to use medication to induce sleep. You should first find out the causes of insomnia and try to eliminate them. Among the most common causes: 1, somatic factors, which is caused by the adverse stimulation of various diseases insomnia, must be given treatment for the cause. 2. environmental factors, such as changes in the sleep environment; 3. psychological factors, such as excessive mental tension; 4. changes in the rhythm and timing of sleep. In order to avoid insomnia, do not drink strong tea or smoke at night, do not drink excessively before bedtime, do not have too much dinner, and avoid mental tension and strenuous exercise. Soak your feet in warm water before going to bed is good for sleep. It is best to sleep in the right-sided position. Insomnia in the elderly, do not use drugs such as luminal (sodium phenobarbital), quick sleep and amytal. Because these drugs can cause dizziness, unstable gait, easy to fall, but also similar to arteriosclerotic dementia and mental retardation, especially in patients with pulmonary encephalopathy is prohibited. If necessary, Valium or 10 ml of 10% chloral hydrate solution can be used as an enema, but it should not be used frequently and must be used under the guidance of a doctor.