Sleep Problems Grow with Age
As you age, you sleep less and have more sleep disorders
Starting with Newborns, who sleep 14-17 hours per day, with increasing age, people sleep less. Adults on average sleep 8 hours per day, whereas those over 65 sleep even lesser at 7 hours.
Average Hours of Sleep
It's true that sleep problems become more common as we age. This leads to increasing incidence of sleep disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome (RSL).
While occasional sleepless nights happen to everyone, age-related changes in sleep patterns can lead to chronic sleep disruptions in older adults.
Changes in Sleeping Patterns
The internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm) weakens with age leading to changes in your sleeping patterns including:
Shorter Sleep Duration: Older Adults (over 65) typically experience a reduction in total sleep time, often waking up earlier and taking more naps during the day.
Less Deep Sleep: The amount of deep restorative sleep decreases with age, leading to feelings of fatigue even after sleeping for several hours.
More Fragmented Sleep: Older Adults tend to have more frequent awakenings throughout the night, making sleep less continuous and disrupting natural sleep cycles.
Increasing Sleep Disorders in Older Adults
Changes in your Lifestyle
Retirement: Retiring from work leads to changes in your daily routine. This can disrupt the structure of your sleep schedules and lead to inconsistent sleep patterns.
Job Changes: If there are significant changes in your daily routine as a result of a job change, this can also impact your sleep schedules.
Social Isolation: With retirement and aging, you may see reduced social interaction and associated activities. This can lead to boredom and difficulty falling asleep at night.
Changes in Living Situations: Significant changes in your living situations incl. divorces, separation, relocation, etc. will change your daily routine, which can then affect your sleep schedules.
Changes in Your Health
Medical Conditions: Age-related medical conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, and respiratory problems can disrupt sleep. Additionally, medications for these conditions can have side effects that impact sleep quality.
Changes in Sleep Hormones: Production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, declines with age. This can further contribute to difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are more prevalent in older adults and can significantly impact sleep.
Neurological Disorders: Parkinson's disease, dementia, and other neurological conditions can affect sleep patterns and cause sleep disturbances.
“A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.”
It is crucial to listen to your body and prioritize good sleep hygiene, regardless of your age.
If you're experiencing sleep difficulties, start by seeking professional guidance from Dr Deepali Jere, Sleep Specialist, certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and qualified to treat sleep disorders.
