More than half of men and women over the age of 65 years
complain of at least one sleep problem. Many older people experience
insomnia and other sleep difficulties on a regular basis. As we get
older, our sleep patterns change. However, good restorative sleep is
essential to our physical health and emotional well-being. General
changes in sleep patterns caused by aging include:
- More time spent in light sleep
- More disrupted night-time sleep
- A higher number of health conditions that negatively affect
sleep quality and quantity
- More daytime naps that can lead to an irregular sleep-wake
schedule
In general, older people sleep less, experience more
fragmented sleep, and spend less time in stage 3 (deep sleep), and REM
sleep, than younger people.
What are the common causes of sleep problems in older people?
Several factors might contribute to our inability to sleep well as
we get older. Some of the common causes include:
Poor sleep habits — Irregular sleep-wake patterns
can affect an individual’s circadian rhythm and make it hard to maintain
a regular sleep schedule. Other sleep issues — such as consumption of
alcohol before bedtime, increased wakeful time in bed, or daytime
napping — will also affect a person’s ability to sleep.
Medical illness — Certain chronic medical conditions
are common in older people. Some of these conditions —including heart
failure, arthritis, heartburn, menopause, and Alzheimer’s disease —
affect sleep. These conditions can make it hard to fall sleep or might
cause the person to awaken frequently, ultimately affecting the quantity
and the quality of sleep.
Medicines — Some medicines might impair a person’s
ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, and might even stimulate
wakefulness at night.
Psychological distress or psychiatric disorders —
Old age is characterized by many life events, some positive and some
negative. Some older individuals experience psychological difficulties
or psychiatric disorders that will affect the quality and quantity of
sleep. Depression is twice as common in old age compared to young adults
and this can significantly affect the quality and the quantity of sleep.
Also, life changes such as the death of a loved one, moving from a
family home, or physical limitations due to illness, can cause
significant stress and sleep difficulties.
Sleep disorders — Sleep disorders such as sleep
apnea, restless leg syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD),
and REM behavior disorder, are associated with aging. All of these
conditions can affect sleep. The risk of sleep apnea increases in old
age (particularly in women) and affects not just sleep but also the heart and brain.
Retirement — Retirement often leads to a lot of
downtime with no specific plans. This often leads to an irregular
sleep-wake schedule and chronic sleep problems.
Are you getting enough sleep?
In order to determine whether you have a problem with sleep, it is
necessary to ask yourself about the quality of your time awake. If you
are getting less sleep than when you were younger, but still feel rested
and energetic during the day, it might just be that you now need less
sleep. Every person’s sleep needs are different. However, if you are
noticing that your lack of sleep is affecting your daytime activities,
you should investigate the cause of your sleeplessness and take steps to
get better rest. Consult a doctor if you have concerns about your
sleeping patterns.
© Copyright 1995-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 12/16/2008...#12227
