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How Is Sleep Affected By Growing Older?

September 11, 2024

Aging is an inevitable part of life that brings about a multitude of changes in our bodies and lifestyles. One aspect that is significantly impacted by aging is sleep. Our quality and quantity of sleep can fluctuate as we grow older, and this often leads to various challenges in maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. Read more below about how aging affects our sleep and how to make informed decisions to improve our overall well-being.


Decline of Melatonin


As we age, we've seen that the natural production of the sleep hormone melatonin starts to decline, especially after the age of 60. This can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Additionally, we've observed that older adults often experience a shift in their circadian rhythm, causing them to feel sleepy earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning. These changes can contribute to a decrease in overall sleep duration and sleep quality. This is one reason out of many that calling our sleep doctor offices may be helpful.


Rise of Sleep Disorders


We've also noticed that sleep disorders become more common with age. One of the most prevalent sleep disorders is sleep apnea. According to Sleep Education, although the rate of sleep apnea seems to reach a plateau around the age of 65 years, you can still develop it later in life. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to frequent awakenings and reduced overall sleep quality. Addressing sleep apnea through medical interventions and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your sleep and overall health. Our sleep doctor offices are here to help.


Risk of Medical Conditions and Medications


Besides sleep disorders, other factors like medical conditions and medications can also impact sleep as we grow older. Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, which are more common in older adults, can cause pain, discomfort, and night-time awakenings. Furthermore, certain medications that are frequently prescribed to older individuals can have side effects that disturb sleep patterns. Managing these conditions with the help of our healthcare professionals can improve sleep quality.


Aging brings about significant changes in sleep patterns that can affect overall health and well-being. From hormonal shifts and disrupted circadian rhythms to the prevalence of sleep disorders and the impact of medical conditions and medications, numerous factors can influence sleep as we grow older. By being aware of these changes and taking proactive steps to address them, we can improve our sleep quality and enjoy healthier, more restful nights. Please contact our
sleep doctor offices at Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Associates, LLP.

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