While some of the changes to sleep patterns are unavoidable as you age, that does not mean that it should be considered normal to have regular difficulty falling asleep and face regular daytime sleepiness. This can lead to you feeling less rested even when you do manage to sleep for a longer period of time.Īnother common reason for sleep problems in seniors is simply side effects from concurrent medications taken for various common geriatric conditions. Seniors tend to experience less NREM and REM sleep, which leads to more trouble staying asleep and a lower quality of sleep in general. Outside of concurrent health conditions leading to sleep disorders, elderly adults also see changes in their sleep patterns as a result of the normal aging of their circadian rhythm. Seniors have a higher risk of psychiatric or physical conditions that can cause sleep disruption, and also are at greater risk for developing restless legs syndrome and other common sleep disorders. This difference in sleep quantity and quality can be a result of several different factors. Not only that, but you are likely to lose up to 30 minutes of nightly sleep with every decade that passes. As you age, you tend to sleep less as well as less deeply, and are more likely to wake up throughout the night. Up to about 30% of adults face chronic insomnia, but by the time they reach the age of 55, the amount of people suffering from sleep problems is closer to about 50%. While many of these changes are an unavoidable part of growing older, there are several ways to combat the issues which lead to the elderly not sleeping at night. Sleep disorders in the elderly: Diagnosis and management.Having issues with falling and staying asleep can impact you at any time in your life, but there are changes to our sleeping patterns that come naturally with age. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn more about developing good sleep habits. going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day. making the bedroom an inviting space for sleep with cool temperatures, making it dark, and not having electronic devices.avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine close to bedtime.eating a balanced diet that includes sufficient iron and vitamins.Some suggestions include developing healthy sleep habits, such as: Several nonpharmaceutical options may help with insomnia. Though both are associated with only mild side effects, lack of regulation means formulas and doses can vary greatly between brands and products.Īs with other medications, a person should discuss the use of melatonin, valerian root, or other herbs or supplements with a healthcare professional before taking them. A person should work with a healthcare professional to determine the best medications for them and discuss any potential side effects before starting a new medication.Ī 2018 study suggests that melatonin and valerian root are alternative or complementary medicine options for insomnia. Several medications may help with insomnia. The technique incorporates several cognitive and behavioral techniques to help improve both short- and long-term sleep quality. The goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of sleep loss and help prevent daytime symptoms and possible complications.Ĭognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is a first-line treatment for insomnia. It often involves a combination of medications, natural remedies, and changes to sleep routines.Įxperts generally recommend that a person plays an active role in developing their treatment plan to help them stick to it.
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