Family Owned & Operated Since 2015
Call or Text 858-232-5760

0

Sleep Quality Declines with Age: Understanding the Reasons and Finding Solutions

Picture of Ben Trapskin

Ben Trapskin

I have carefully studied and evaluated many mattresses, sheets, pillows, duvet inserts, comforters, sleep gadgets, and adjustable beds for over a deca... Full Bio
sunset
aging and sleep

As we age, many of us find it increasingly difficult to fall and stay asleep. This common phenomenon can be explained through an analogy provided by Dr. Abhinav Singh, medical director of the Indiana Sleep Center and a sleep professor at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He compares our ability to sleep to a car: as it ages and accumulates miles, it begins to wear down, requiring more repairs and offering a less smooth ride.

Similarly, our sleep quality tends to decline as we get older. Research has shown that older adults often take longer to fall asleep, wake up more frequently during the night, and nap more during the day compared to younger individuals. Additionally, they spend less time in deep, restorative sleep, which is essential for bone and muscle growth, immune system strengthening, and memory consolidation. Melatonin levels, crucial for maintaining sleep-wake cycles, also become disrupted with age.

Despite the wealth of information on the subject, the exact causes for these changes remain uncertain. One possible explanation is related to the aging brain. Studies conducted on mice have shown that a particular group of neurons responsible for wakefulness becomes overstimulated as they age, disrupting sleep cycles. This effect likely applies to humans as well since the brain region regulating sleep in mice, the hypothalamus, is similar to that of humans.

Lifestyle changes can also contribute to sleep disruption in older individuals. Retirement often leads to less structured days, resulting in altered sleep patterns and creating a vicious cycle of poor sleep. Furthermore, researchers have found connections between depression, loneliness, grief, and sleep difficulties in older adults.

For women, perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, depression, anxiety, and stress can exacerbate sleep problems. Although researchers are still investigating why these symptoms vary in severity and frequency among women, it is clear that they can have a significant impact on sleep quality.

Despite these challenges, there is hope for improving sleep in older adults. Adopting healthy habits like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding naps and late-afternoon caffeine, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can all help promote better sleep. In fact, a study published in 2022 found that engaging in at least 40 minutes of aerobic or resistance training four times a week helped older adults fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Other strategies to enhance sleep quality include keeping consistent mealtimes, spending time outside in sunlight, and discussing potential sleep-interfering medications with your doctor. By implementing these changes and maintaining a proactive approach to sleep health, you can work towards better rest and improved well-being as you age.

Sleep and Aging

10 Tips to Sleep Better as We Get Older

  1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate your internal clock and promote better sleep.

  2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Engage in calming activities, such as reading or taking a warm bath, to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

  3. Make your sleep environment comfortable: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, with a comfortable mattress and pillows tailored to your preferred sleep position.

  4. Limit daytime naps: While napping can be tempting, avoid napping for more than 20-30 minutes, especially later in the day, as it can make falling asleep at night more difficult.

  5. Get regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity during the day, particularly aerobic or resistance training, can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

  6. Manage stress and anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality.

  7. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Consuming caffeine or alcohol, especially in the afternoon or evening, can disrupt your sleep patterns and negatively affect sleep quality.

  8. Eat a balanced diet: Consuming a healthy diet with a variety of nutrients can contribute to better sleep. Avoid heavy meals and spicy foods close to bedtime, as they may cause discomfort or indigestion.

  9. Prioritize exposure to natural light: Spend time outside during the day to help regulate melatonin production and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.

  10. Seek professional help if needed: If you continue to experience sleep difficulties despite implementing these tips, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential treatment options.

Current Research on Sleep Quality and Aging

cat sleeping

Sleep and aging is a topic that has been extensively researched, and many studies have shed light on various aspects of this phenomenon. Below is a list of research articles that explore different facets of sleep and aging, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing sleep issues in older adults. These articles emphasize the significance of prioritizing sleep health for overall well-being as we age.

  1. Ohayon, M. M., Carskadon, M. A., Guilleminault, C., & Vitiello, M. V. (2004). Meta-analysis of quantitative sleep parameters from childhood to old age in healthy individuals: developing normative sleep values across the human lifespan. Sleep, 27(7), 1255-1273. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15586779/

  2. Foley, D., Ancoli-Israel, S., Britz, P., & Walsh, J. (2004). Sleep disturbances and chronic disease in older adults: results of the 2003 National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America Survey. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 56(5), 497-502. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15172205/

  3. Spira, A. P., Stone, K. L., Redline, S., Ensrud, K. E., Ancoli-Israel, S., Cauley, J. A., … & Yaffe, K. (2017). Actigraphic sleep duration and fragmentation in older women: associations with performance across cognitive domains. Sleep, 40(7). Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28482103/

  4. Mander, B. A., Winer, J. R., & Walker, M. P. (2017). Sleep and human aging. Neuron, 94(1), 19-36. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28384471/

  5. de Lecea, L., & Huerta, R. (2022). Aging impairs the balance of neuronal excitation and inhibition in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Current Biology, 32(4), 640-651. Link: https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(21)01573-7

  6. Reid, K. J., Martinovich, Z., Finkel, S., Statsinger, J., Golden, R., Harter, K., & Zee, P. C. (2014). Sleep: a marker of physical and mental health in the elderly. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(10), 1149-1159. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24080388/

  7. Buman, M. P., Hekler, E. B., Bliwise, D. L., & King, A. C. (2011). Exercise effects on night-to-night fluctuations in self-rated sleep among older adults with sleep complaints. Journal of Sleep Research, 20(1pt2), 28-37. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20673290/

These research articles underscore the importance of addressing sleep issues in older adults, as well as the need for continued study in this area. By understanding the factors that contribute to sleep problems and developing effective strategies to combat them, we can work towards improving the quality of life for the aging population.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Have Questions?

Text us at 858-232-5760 for assistance. We’re happy to help!

Mattress Reviews and Guides