The Later Years - Sleep Throughout Life: Sleep Disorders

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

The later years

Like younger people, older adults still spend about 20% of sleep time in REM sleep, but other than that, they sleep differently. Deep sleep accounts for less than 5% of sleep time, and in some people it is completely absent. Falling asleep takes longer, and the shallow quality of sleep results in dozens of awakenings during the night. Over a 24-hour period, however, older adults manage to accumulate the same amount of total sleep as younger people, thanks to napping. Doctors used to reassure older people that they needed less sleep than younger ones to function well, but sleep experts now know that isn't true: It was a mistake scientists made when they failed to account for daytime naps logged by older folks. Generally, most sleep experts discourage napping (see "Use strategic naps," below), but if you find that you need a nap, it's best to take one midday nap, rather than several brief ones scattered throughout the day and evening.

Sleep disturbances in elderly people, particularly in those who have Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, are very disruptive for caregivers. In one study, 70% of caregivers cited these problems as the decisive factor in seeking nursing home placement for a loved one. When caregivers of participants in adult day programs were interviewed, more than a third reported being distressed and sleep-deprived because they were looking after someone with disruptive nocturnal behaviors — such as insomnia, nightmares, wandering, physical aggression, loud screaming and talking, or calling for help. In a five-year test project in New York, adult day program participants are being treated for sleep disorders to see if therapy can increase the amount of time that they are able to remain at home.

Although sleep patterns inevitably change with age, older people need not lose alertness and pleasure in life because they can't sleep. No matter how old you are, treatment of sleep disorders and do-it-yourself techniques to maximize sleep quality can bring improvement.

Last updated:	January 23, 2007