Daytime Dozing: When Elderly Loved Ones Sleep All Day

As people age, their sleep patterns change. Older people tend to sleep more lightly than when they were younger, and they often wake up during the night due to achy joints or the need to use the restroom. Many seniors compensate for this lost sleep by taking a restorative nap during the day. While this is normal, daytime sleepiness in the elderly can become a problem when a loved one spends most of their time dozing instead of engaging in daily activities. If you want an older adult to stay awake more during the day and sleep better at night, you'll need to discover the underlying reasons for their excessive napping. In some cases, you may need a doctor’s help to narrow down the cause and recommend solutions.

Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can cause daytime sleepiness

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterised by brief pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last up to 10 seconds and occur hundreds of times a night. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway, while central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.

As a result of these pauses in breathing, sleep apnea can cause interrupted sleep, leading to sleepiness during the day. People with sleep apnea might find themselves falling asleep at work or even behind the wheel of a car, which can be extremely dangerous. In fact, people with sleep apnea have many more auto accidents than those without the condition.

In addition to daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can also cause other problems, such as wide swings in heart rate and a decrease in oxygen levels. It is also associated with other medical conditions, such as elevated hemoglobin or thickened blood.

If you think your elderly loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to seek medical advice. Treatment options include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliance therapy, weight loss, and, in some cases, surgery.

It's important to note that there are other potential causes of daytime sleepiness in elderly individuals, such as depression, medication side effects, and chronic health conditions. If you are concerned about your loved one's sleep habits, it is always best to consult with a doctor.

Depression and low energy can be a cause of excessive sleep in the elderly

The signs of depression in seniors can be different from those in younger people. Sleep issues and fatigue may indicate changes in a loved one's mental health. Other red flags include boredom, loss of a sense of purpose, medication changes, the death of loved ones, inability to engage in activities they used to enjoy, family difficulties, and loneliness.

If you suspect that your elderly loved one may be suffering from depression, it is important to talk to them about how they are feeling and seek medical attention. Depression can be treated with therapy, medication, and support from family and friends. Additionally, social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity can help improve their quality of life and reduce depressive symptoms.

Medication side effects can cause sleepiness, especially when multiple medications are taken

As people age, they tend to sleep more lightly than when they were younger. Seniors may wake up during the night due to achy joints or the need to use the restroom, and compensate for this lost sleep by taking a nap during the day. While this is normal, it becomes problematic when a loved one spends most of their time dozing instead of engaging in daily activities.

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, nausea, and allergies can all cause excessive sleepiness. Atypical antipsychotics are particularly hard on elderly patients, especially those with dementia. If your loved one is taking one or more of these drugs, discuss the side effects and alternative treatment options with their physician. You may find that some medications can be reduced to smaller dosages or discontinued. Sometimes, altering the timing of a senior’s doses can improve their alertness during the day.

It is important to remain in contact with your loved one’s doctor and to note any changes in medications or side effects. Know about the expected side effects that may come with any drug, and watch for any physical or behavioural changes that could be tied to the prescription or over-the-counter drugs your loved one is taking. The average senior takes between four and five separate medications. Ask your loved one's doctor about alternative medications, dosage changes, or the timing of when your loved one takes their medication.

Boredom and lack of engagement can lead to a habit of napping throughout the day

As people age, they may develop chronic health conditions and experience age-related changes that prevent them from doing the things they once enjoyed. This can take a serious toll on their quality of life. They may no longer be working, and common activities like reading or doing puzzles may become difficult. Watching TV can also lose its appeal over time. As a result, older adults may find themselves with no schedule to keep and little to look forward to in their daily lives. This can lead to boredom and a lack of engagement, which in turn can cause them to develop a habit of napping throughout the day.

Indeed, boredom has been identified as a significant factor contributing to excessive daytime napping among the elderly. Research suggests that older adults who are incredibly bored may not necessarily be tired or depressed but instead turn to napping out of fatigue stemming from a lack of stimulation and purpose in their lives. This habit of napping throughout the day can further disrupt their sleep schedules, leading to a vicious cycle of fatigue and disengagement.

It is important to note that while boredom and lack of engagement can be contributing factors, there may also be other underlying health issues or medications causing excessive daytime napping. Depression, for example, is not a normal part of aging but can affect older adults and lead to changes in their sleep patterns and energy levels. Additionally, polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, is a concern for older adults, as certain prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs can cause excessive sleepiness as a side effect.

To address boredom and lack of engagement as potential causes of excessive daytime napping, it is crucial to provide opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity. In-home care and adult day care are options that can help set and maintain daily routines, provide engaging activities, and broaden an older adult's social circle. By encouraging participation in life and fostering a sense of purpose, caregivers can help reduce boredom, minimize depressive symptoms, and promote better quality sleep at night.

Chronic pain and discomfort can cause older people to wake up at night and nap during the day

As people age, they tend to sleep more lightly than when they were younger. It is common for older people to wake up during the night due to achy joints or the need to use the restroom. Many seniors compensate for this lost sleep by taking a nap during the day. While this is normal, daytime sleepiness in the elderly can become a problem when they spend most of their time dozing instead of engaging in their daily activities.

Organ dysfunction and other existing diseases can significantly affect how elderly people experience and respond to chronic pain. It has been proposed that elderly people have an altered pain experience, with changes in pain processing mechanisms. This may be associated with the degeneration of circuits that modulate the descending inhibitory pathways of pain.

Ageing has also been linked to an increase in the pain threshold and a decline in painful sensations. However, elderly patients with chronic pain show an increased risk for dementia and cognitive impairment. Chronic pain in the elderly has been linked to functional disability, often associated with coexisting psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as cognitive deficits and sleep disturbances.

In addition to the physical causes and impacts of chronic pain, there are also social factors that can influence pain perception in the elderly. The presence of a caregiver can decrease the pain unpleasantness when compared to individuals living alone. However, family conditions can induce more intense non-verbal pain expressions.

To manage chronic pain and improve sleep in the elderly, it is important to first reduce the pain through appropriate treatments. Additionally, social support from family members or caregivers can help improve pain management. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and focusing on soothing sounds or objects can also help distract the mind from pain. Gentle massage therapy has also been found to improve sleep and reduce lower back pain.

Exercising the right way can also improve both pain and sleep issues. It is recommended to engage in regular, moderate, and low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming. However, it is important to avoid exercising within three hours of bedtime as it can disrupt sleep.

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