As people age, their sleep patterns change. Older people tend to sleep more lightly and often wake up during the night due to achy joints or the need to use the bathroom. Many compensate for this lost sleep by catching a nap during the day, which is normal. However, daytime sleepiness becomes a problem when a person spends most of their time dozing instead of engaging in daily activities.
There are several reasons why an elderly person may sleep all the time:
- Boredom and lack of engagement: As people age, they may develop chronic health conditions and experience age-related changes that prevent them from doing the things they enjoy. Elders may not be clinically depressed, but with no schedule to keep and not much to look forward to in their lives, they slide into the habit of napping throughout the day.
- Medication: Many elderly people take multiple medications, some of which may interact with each other and cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
- Depression and low energy: Sleep issues and fatigue may indicate changes in a loved one's mental health. Depression is not a normal part of aging, and it is estimated to occur in 5% of community-dwelling elders.
- Dementia: Seniors with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia often experience sleep problems, especially in the later stages of the disease. As the brain changes, issues arise with circadian rhythms and temporal awareness, making it difficult for dementia patients to sleep through the night and keep a normal schedule.
- Terminal illness: Seniors who are terminally ill will experience marked changes in consciousness and decreased activity as they approach the end of life.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Circadian Rhythm Changes | Circadian rhythms change as people age, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns. |
Health Conditions | Increased prevalence of mental and physical health conditions can increase the risk of fragmented sleep. |
Medication | The interactions of multiple medications may also cause unanticipated effects on sleep. |
Lifestyle Changes | Retirement may lead to a less structured sleep-wake schedule. |
Dementia | Dementia patients may sleep during the day and be awake and restless during the night. |
Depression | Depression is not a normal part of aging but can cause excessive fatigue. |
Boredom | Elders may not be clinically depressed but can slide into the habit of napping throughout the day due to a lack of schedule and things to do. |
Pain | Discomfort and pain can lead to inadequate rest for older adults. |
Terminal Illness | Seniors who are terminally ill will experience marked changes in consciousness and decreased activity as they approach the end of life. |
What You'll Learn
Boredom and lack of engagement
If you want to help an older person stay awake during the day, you need to find ways to stimulate their interest in life. This could mean arranging for visitors, taking them to events at a senior centre, or even adult day care. Needing to adhere to a schedule, such as being ready for an adult day care bus, can be very helpful. After a few hours at adult day care, your loved one may be much more likely to be tired in the evening.
Protect Your Braids: Tips for Sleeping with Straight Hair
You may want to see also
Medication issues
Polypharmacy is a serious concern for older adults. A recent poll found that 89% of Americans aged 65 and older take prescription medicine, with more than half reporting that they take four or more prescriptions. All medications have side effects, so taking multiple drugs can produce interactions that magnify these effects.
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 (second-generation) antipsychotics are notoriously hard on elderly patients, especially those living with dementia. Antidepressants can also cause sleepiness, and finding the right one often takes some trial and error.
If your loved one is sleeping too much during the day, ask their doctor to review their medications and see if an adjustment can be made.
Full Moon Insomnia: Why You Can't Sleep Tonight
You may want to see also
Depression and low energy
Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is a common issue for seniors. Research estimates that major depressive disorder occurs in 5% of community-dwelling elders, while up to 16% of older adults have clinically relevant depressive symptoms.
The signs of depression can be different in seniors. Sleep issues and fatigue may indicate changes in a loved one's mental health. Seniors with depression may become sad and lose interest in life. They may also experience daytime anxiety and stress, which can cause transient insomnia.
Depression in seniors is often the result of more serious life events, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. Untreated insomnia may also result in depression. Conversely, untreated depression may cause insomnia.
If you notice signs of depression in a senior, it is important to talk to them about how they are feeling and make an appointment with their doctor. Antidepressant medication can help, but finding the correct medication may require some trial and error, as sleepiness can be a common side effect of these drugs.
The Sleep of Death: Judgment Day Awaits
You may want to see also
Dementia
Sleeping more than usual could also be due to the type of dementia the person has. Sleeping more than usual is a common symptom of vascular dementia, which is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. Dementia caused by Parkinson's disease or Lewy bodies may also cause someone to sleep more during the day and restlessly at night.
Medications could also be the reason for excessive sleepiness. People with dementia often have coexisting conditions that require medications. Antipsychotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants can all cause drowsiness. If your loved one is taking medication to help with sleep since dementia can make sleeping more difficult, their dosage may need to be adjusted if the medication is causing them to sleep more than usual.
It is recommended to speak to a doctor if your loved one's sleep patterns suddenly change. This could indicate a problem with medication, illness, or another complication that should be addressed immediately.
Excessive sleep can also be an early sign of dementia. A 2017 study found that participants whose sleeping patterns changed from sleeping less than nine hours per night to sleeping more than nine hours per night were at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
Due to these sleep architecture changes, patients with dementia may have excessive daytime sleepiness, nighttime wandering, confusion, and agitation. Such nighttime behavior and disruptions may eventually lead to institutionalization. Therefore, addressing issues related to sleep disturbances in the community-dwelling, demented elderly is especially important, as it may potentially postpone institutionalization.
Addera and Insomnia: A Dangerous Mix
You may want to see also
Terminal illness
Terminally ill patients may experience disruptions to their sleep-wake cycles, which can cause insomnia, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep, or resulting in an unrefreshed feeling after sleep. This can lead to tiredness during the day and a cycle of disturbed sleep. Terminally ill patients may also experience excessive daytime sleepiness, which is distinct from the tiredness and fatigue that is common in people with terminal illnesses.
Other symptoms of terminal illnesses that can cause daytime sleepiness include:
- Depression
- Medication side effects
- Pain and discomfort
- Needing to use the bathroom frequently during the night
- Respiratory problems
- Anxiety
- Spiritual concerns and distress
- Reduced daytime activity
- Withdrawal from substances such as nicotine or alcohol
Additionally, as people age, their bodies produce less melatonin, which can contribute to disrupted sleep patterns.
It is important to consult a doctor if you notice a loved one sleeping more than usual during the day, as it could be a sign of underlying health issues.
Animals That Never Sleep: Uncovering Nature's Nocturnal Secrets
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Elderly people tend to sleep more lightly and wake up multiple times during the night due to achy joints or the need to use the bathroom. They compensate for this lost sleep by taking restorative naps during the day, which is normal. However, daytime sleepiness becomes a problem when they spend most of their time dozing instead of engaging in daily activities.
Excessive daytime sleepiness in elderly people can be caused by boredom, depression, chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies, and medication.
Excessive daytime sleepiness does not always indicate that death is near, but it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. If an elderly person is sleeping a lot, it is important to ensure they are still getting the personal care, hydration, nutrition, and medication they need to avoid complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, and pressure ulcers.
Caregivers can help by encouraging seniors to participate in life through social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity. They can also seek medical help to address any underlying health issues and adjust the elderly person's medication if needed.