Sleep patterns to change as you get older along with all the other physical changes.  Most people tend to have a tougher time falling asleep and then more trouble staying asleep than they did when they were younger. The problem is, no matter what the common thinking is all about, your need for sleep doesn’t decline as you get older. In fact your sleep needs remain fairly constant. So why, you ask, are you getting up in the middle of the night?

What does change are your sleep patterns. Sleep occurs in a series of stages including dreamless periods of light and then deep sleep and periods of active dreaming (REM sleep). Then the sleep cycle repeats itself during the night. The problem is that older people spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep than in deep sleep. It also takes older people longer to fall asleep and they tend to wake up more often.

To top it off the circadian rhythms that coordinate the timing of your bodily functions, including sleep, also change as you get older. For instance, older people tend to become sleepier in the early evening and wake earlier in the morning compared to younger adults. You may still be getting 7 or 8 hours of sleep but they’re at a different time. The answer for this change is still being researched.

The chances are also good that as you get older you will have more problems with insomnia. Close to half of older persons experience on or more of the nighttime symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights each week. Insomnia isn’t something to ignore because it can be symptomatic of other health issues or result in health problems.  It is worthwhile to talk to your doctor about your insomnia symptoms and about any effects these symptoms may have. Your doctor will let you know if you’re at risk of a serious problem but you need to tell her.

I haven’t noticed any major changes in my sleep structure as I get older. I’m still a very early riser and I try to squeeze in 28 hours in a 24 hour day. What about you? We can compare notes.

To your healthy aging,

Ruthan Brodsky

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Filed under: Mind and Body

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