Aging changes in sleep

Sleep occurs in multiple stages. The sleep cycle includes dreamless periods of light and deep sleep, with occasional periods of active dreaming (REM sleep). The sleep cycle is repeated several times during the night.

AGING CHANGES

With aging, sleep patterns tend to change. Most people find that aging causes them to have a harder time falling asleep, and that they awaken more often.

Total sleep time remains the same or is slightly decreased (6.5 to 7 hours per night). It may be harder to fall asleep. The transition between being asleep and awake is often abrupt, giving older people the feeling of being more of a "light sleeper" than when they were younger.

Less time is spent in deep, dreamless sleep. Older people average 3 or 4 awakenings each night, with increased recall of being awake.

Awakenings are related to less time spent in deep sleep, and to factors such as need to get up to urinate (nocturia), anxiety, and discomfort or pain associated with chronic illnesses.

EFFECT OF CHANGES

Sleeping difficulty is an annoying problem, but it is seldom dangerous. Because sleep is lighter and awakenings more frequent, older people may feel deprived of sleep even when total sleep time has not changed.

Sleep deprivation can eventually cause confusion and other mental changes. It is treatable, and symptoms should lessen when adequate sleep is obtained. Sleep problems are also a common symptom of depression, so you should be evaluated and treated for depression if it is causing the problem.

COMMON PROBLEMS

• Insomnia is one of the more common sleep problems for the elderly.
• Other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or hypersomnia, can also occur.
• Sleep apnea , where the breathing stops for a time during sleep, can cause severe problems.

PREVENTION

The elderly respond differently to medications than younger adults, so it is VERY important to consult with a health care provider before taking medications for sleep. Avoid sleep medications if at all possible. Medications for depression, on the other hand, can be very helpful if depression contributes to the cause of the sleep problem. Most antidepressants do not produce the problems associated with sleeping medications.