Sleep and Aging

Does Sleep Change As You Get Older?

Myth: The older you are, the harder it is to stay awake during the day.
Fact:  Not necessarily so !!

Myth:  The increasing naps your retired spouse now experiences is caused by boredom for lack of interests.
Fact:  Not true !!

Myth:  A tall glass of wine or double shot of Jack Daniels is the ideal sleep aid.
Fact:   Absolutely not true!!

There are normal physiologic changes in sleep quality and consistency in seniors:

• Increased light sleep

• Decreased deep sleep

• More time awake during the night

 But there are also many similarities between young adult sleepers and older sleepers:

• The same dream sleep (REM) time each night

• The same total hours of sleep need in a 24-hour period

• The same improvement in daytime wakefulness, mood and energy if sleep problems are treated

By far the commonest sleep problem in the senior years is insomnia. This condition is not a disease but rather a complaint. There are many reasons for not being able to fall asleep or sustain sleep or to receive sufficient benefit from a full night of sleep. Some causes of insomnia can be identified and treated, such as problems of mood, pain, or breathing disorders. Unfortunately, in our society a common approach is to simply take a pill or a drink to treat inability to sleep. Contrary to popular belief, a nightcap is NOT a reasonable way to address insomnia, since alcohol taken too close to bedtime on a regular basis can cause a worsening of sleep fragmentation and sleep discontinuity in the middle of the night.  

Figure explaining "sleep in elderly persons"
In an older adult, sleep is more fragmented. There are many more arousals, some leading to the wakeful state throughout the night, shown as the line reaches "awake". There are a relative absence of deep sleep (Stages 3 and 4) and  more transitions through transitional (Stage 1) sleep. ______________________________________________________________

If you are over 55 and have been disappointed about your night time sleep quality or daytime fatigue, you owe it to yourself to solve your sleeping problem. Refer to one of the very readable texts below or see a sleep specialist for help.   

References:

No More Sleepless Nights, Peter Hauri and Shirley Linde, 1996

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