People may have temporary lapses from the sleeping pills. They may have motor and coordination (problems). Sometimes, elderly patients may fall at night.

To get a good night's sleep, you have to understand there's a mind and body connection. Both the mind, as well as the body, need to relax.

The most important thing is to relax before you go to bed, have a standard fixed sleeping time and avoid exercise or heavy meals two to three hours before bedtime.

Writing out a prescription is a quick, temporary fix. It's a lot easier to write a prescription than sit down and try to figure out what the potential reasons that could be contributing to the lack of sleep.

But young children with high fevers and elderly people with multiple illnesses should be evaluated in the ER or a doctor's office.

You hear the most about elderly people who are sick and disabled. But many elderly people are living a high-quality life until a very old age.