Alternative Names sleep pattern changes associated with age, age-related changes in sleep patterns
Definition Age affects sleep in several ways. A person's sleep pattern can change as well as the amount of sleep he or she needs. People may also note changes in the ease of getting to sleep and being awakened.
What is the information for this topic? There are several changes in sleeping habits that are commonly seen with increasing age, including:
spending more time in bed despite sleeping less
having a harder time falling asleep
awakening more easily and more often during the night
needing fewer hours of sleep
a decreased amount of "deep" sleep and an increased amount of "light" sleep
a decreased amount of time spent dreaming
an increased amount of time spent taking daytime naps
a sense of frustration with these sleep pattern changes
Other factors can also interfere with sleep, but are not considered a part of normal ageing. One of these is anxiety. Another problem is the need to get up and urinate several times during the night. This may occur in men with prostate gland problems or those with diabetes or heart problems. Pain from chronic illness can also cause sleep difficulties.
Sleeping problems are seldom dangerous but they can be annoying and frustrating. Too little sleep can cause confusion and other mental changes. This problem can be treated and symptoms will go away when the person gets enough sleep.
Not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep, known as insomnia, is one of the more common problems elderly people suffer. Other sleep problems may also occur.
To prevent sleeping problems, it is important that a person develop good sleep habits. These include:
avoidance of daytime naps or no more than one nap per day, which should be less than one hour long
avoidance of alcohol, caffeine and illegal drug use, which can affect sleep patterns
daily exercise
using the bed only for sleeping and sex
not going to bed unless tired
waking up at a similar time each day
If a person is still having sleep problems after trying these steps, he or she should talk to a doctor. Prescription sleep medications, such as temazepam, may be able to help. These medications are designed to be used for a very short period of time. If used for more than one or two weeks, some of these medications can cause addiction and worsening sleep problems. These medications may also have dangerous side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, and an increased chance of falls.
Author: James Broomfield, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
