Introduction
There is a common misconception that it is natural for persons of advanced years to have daytime fatigue. Around twenty percent of those who are elderly struggle with excessive daytime sleepiness.
It’s possible that these are indications of more serious health issues than just getting older. Let’s investigate the age at which senior people begin to sleep a lot, as well as the primary factors that contribute to this problem.
Is It Normal For The Elderly To Sleep A Lot During The Day?
There’s no definitive answer to this question since everyone experiences different sleep patterns as they aging effect. However, it’s generally normal for elderly people to sleep for shorter periods of time at night and take more naps during the day.
According to research estimates, over 25% of older persons take naps, but only approximately 8% of younger adults do so. (Source: Pubmed)
Although there are some professionals who believe that taking a little nap during the day could be beneficial, most agree that napping for a longer period of time or later in the day can make it more difficult to fall asleep at nightfall and can cause overnight sleep behavior disorder.
This is due to changes in the sleep cycle that happen as we get older. So if you notice your elderly patient or loved one is sleeping more during the day, it’s probably nothing to worry about because there are a lot of adult day care to help you.
When Is The Elderly Start Sleeping A Lot?
Sleep patterns tend to change as people age. Older adults may find that they need more sleep change than they did when they were younger, and they may also take longer to fall asleep. Additionally, older adults may wake up more during the night.
If you are helping to care for an elderly person, you may notice that they sleep for longer periods of time. This is a normal part of the aging process.
If you are concerned about changes in your sleep habits, you should make an effort to determine what is going on that may be causing you to sleep more. As you narrow down the list of potential causes, you should consider having a discussion about it with the senior’s primary care physician.
An elderly person who sleeps more than usual may be suffering from sadness or boredom. But if the shift is more sudden, you should check for any linkages with your medicine or the way your health is changing.
People aged 65 and older typically take many drugs, and each prescription comes with its own set of potential adverse effects.
It is recommended that you consult the doctor who prescribed the prescription if you have any reason to believe that the increased urge to sleep may be a side effect of the drug. It is possible that the timing of a dose could be altered in order to achieve greater alertness during the daytime
Why Are The Elderly Sleeping A Lot?
Need More Sleep Than Young People
There are many reasons why elderly people need more sleep than young people. One reason is that elderly people generally have more health problems than young people. These health problems can make it difficult for elderly people to get a good night’s sleep.
Another reason is that elderly people tend to be less active than young people. This means that they are more likely to feel tired during the day.
Finally, elderly people often have more difficulty sleeping through the night than young people. This can be due to a variety of factors, including age-related changes in sleep patterns.
Trouble Sleeping At Night
There are many reasons why elderly people might have trouble sleeping at night. They might have pain from arthritis or other health problems. They might be taking medications that make it hard to sleep.
Or they might be worrying about things like their health, their finances, or their family. Whatever the reason, it can be hard for elderly people to get a good night’s sleep.
This can be due to a number of factors, including medications, changes in sleep patterns, and chronic pain. If you are an elderly person who is having trouble sleeping, try these tips to get a better night’s rest.
Medical Conditions
Elderly people are more likely to have medical conditions that can cause fatigue. These conditions can include anemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. Fatigue can also be caused by certain medications used to treat these conditions.
This is especially true for those who are taking multiple medications, as the interactions between them can amplify the effects. Elderly people are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that can cause drowsiness.
For these reasons, it’s important to be aware of the potential for drowsiness when caring for elderly people. Some medications can make people feel drowsy. Elderly people are more likely to take these types of medications.
Less To Do During The Day
Many elderly people find themselves with less to do during the day. This can lead to boredom and fatigue. To avoid this, elderly people can try to find ways to stay active and engaged.
This might include socializing with friends, taking up a new hobby, or volunteering. Staying active and engaged can help elderly people stay healthy and happy.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Elderly people are more likely to have a sedentary lifestyle, which can also lead to fatigue. A sedentary lifestyle means that a person isn’t active and doesn’t get much exercise. This can make a person feel tired and weak.
Fatigue is when a person feels really tired and doesn’t have the energy to do much. It’s important for elderly people to try to be active and get some exercise, even if it’s just a little bit.
Sleep Disorders Are A Common Problem Among The Elderly
There are many different types of sleep disorders, but the most common among the elderly are insomnia and sleep apnea.
- Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, medications, and underlying medical conditions.
- Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, smoking, and underlying medical conditions.
Both insomnia and sleep apnea can lead to a variety of problems, including daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. If you think you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
In short, if you notice older people sleeping a lot in the morning on a regular basis, maybe even falling asleep at any time, then you need to determine the cause. You can also seek help from a doctor to find out the reason why the elderly sleep a lot, to be given timely solutions.
