{"id":5443,"date":"2022-03-15T22:05:42","date_gmt":"2022-03-15T22:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/edmonton\/blog\/solving-sleep-problems-in-seniors\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T19:28:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T19:28:08","slug":"solving-sleep-problems-in-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/edmonton\/blog\/solving-sleep-problems-in-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Solving Sleep Problems in Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Senior<\/figure>\n\n\n

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Senior Sleep Problems<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Solving Sleep Problems in Seniors |\u00a0<\/strong>It is a common misconception that sleep needs decline with age. Older adults need the same amount of sleep as younger adults: 7 to 9 hours each night.<\/p>\n

Changes in sleep patterns, or what specialists call “sleep architecture”, can occur as we age, and this may contribute to sleep problems. There are two kinds of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. We dream mostly during REM sleep and have the deepest sleep during non-REM sleep. The sleep cycle is repeated several times during the night, and although total sleep time tends to remain constant, older people can spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep than in deep sleep.<\/p>\n

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Fast Facts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

44% of older persons experience one or more\u00a0of the nighttime symptoms of insomnia<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

at least a few nights\u00a0per week.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Other factors affecting sleep are the\u00a0circadian rhythms\u00a0<\/a>that coordinate the timing of our bodily functions, including sleep \u2500 and seniors tend to become sleepier in the early evening and wake earlier in the morning, as compared to younger adults. This pattern is called \u201cadvanced sleep phase syndrome\u201d.<\/p>\n

Solving Sleep Problems in Seniors: <\/strong>What Causes Sleep Problems? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Several things can cause sleep problems. By the time an adult is over 65 years old, his or her sleep-wake cycle may not work as well as it did when he or she was younger. As we age, the body makes less growth hormone and melatonin, the chemicals and hormones that help us sleep well. Some lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks, can cause sleep problems, as can illness, pain, or medications.<\/p>\n

Additional sleep problems in seniors can include:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Insomnia:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The most common sleep problem in adults aged 60 and older. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.<\/p>\n

Sleep apnea:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Frequent, short pauses in breathing while sleeping. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, or memory loss.<\/p>\n

Movement disorders:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Such as restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition in which legs feel very uncomfortable when you are sitting or lying down; and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), a condition in which a person kicks one or both legs many times during sleep. Medications may help.<\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Can cause some seniors to sleep too much, while others don\u2019t sleep enough. Some people wake up many times during the night; others wander or become agitated. Safety precautions around the home need to be addressed for seniors with Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Other health factors <\/strong>include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes mellitus, renal failure, respiratory diseases such as asthma, and immune disorders. Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) also can cause problems sleeping.<\/p>\n

Solving Sleep Problems in Seniors: Tips on How to Improve Sleep<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No matter the reason, without a good night\u2019s sleep, the next day, a senior can be tired and irritable, unable to perform tasks, have memory problems or be forgetful, feel depressed, and be at risk for more falls or accidents.\u00a0Here are some preventative tips that you can give to your loved one.<\/p>\n

Tip #1 – Talk with your doctor: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ask your doctor for help if pain or other health problems are keeping you awake. Ask if any medicines could be keeping you awake at night. Medicines that can disrupt sleep include antidepressants, beta-blockers, and cardiovascular drugs.<\/p>\n

Tip #2 – Limit the use of sleep aids and sleeping pills:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many sleep aids have side effects and are not for long-term use; sleeping pills don\u2019t address the causes of insomnia and can make it worse in the long run.<\/p>\n

Tip #3 – What to do at night: <\/strong><\/h3>\n