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 stages three and four, and REM sleep
(including deep sleep and dream 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 duration 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. For example, 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.
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.