Sleeping can often cause difficulties for elderly people. Regular waking through the night, aches and pains and insomnia can all be problematic, leading to exhaustion during the day – which can make everyday activities a struggle.
If you are looking after an elderly relative as a full-time or part-time carer, you will be keen to make sure they are happy and healthy. There are many signs to look out for that suggest an older person may need extra support, such as bruises or other injuries, problems with getting around the home and extreme forgetfulness.
There could be various causes for these issues, but one important thing to consider is whether or not they are getting enough sleep.
Why do the elderly need a lot of sleep?
As we get older, our sleep patterns undergo significant changes. These changes include reduced deep sleep and increased light sleep stages, which can result in older adults experiencing more frequent awakenings during the night and feeling less rested upon waking in the morning.
Additionally, changes to our body’s internal clock, referred to as the body’s circadian rhythm, can lead to earlier bedtimes and wake-up times among older adults. This means that they may feel naturally inclined to go to bed earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning compared to when they were younger.
Numerous health conditions common in elderly people can also affect sleep quality and duration. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, and chronic pain can disrupt sleep, leading to frequent waking up during the night and overall poor sleep quality. Certain medications commonly prescribed to manage age-related health issues can also have sedative effects, leading people to feel tired or sluggish during the day.
Lifestyle choices and daily habits also play a significant role in determining sleep patterns throughout life. Reduced physical activity levels and increased sedentary behaviour can impact sleep quality and contribute to daytime fatigue. Changes in social activities and daily routines, such as retirement or loss of a spouse, may influence sleep patterns in elderly individuals too.
As you get older do you need less sleep?
Despite common belief, older adults don’t need any less sleep than younger individuals. While sleep patterns may change with age, everyone’s sleep needs vary. Some older adults may need just as much sleep, or even more, to stay healthy and feel their best.
What are the consequences of lack of sleep in the elderly?
Consistent lack of sleep can profoundly impact our health and wellbeing, leading to feelings of sluggishness, confusion, and an inability to perform our day to day tasks effectively. This effect is particularly pronounced as we age, given that older adults may already experience reduced mobility and increased risk of falls and accidents. A lack of proper rest can exacerbate these challenges, making everyday life even more difficult to navigate.
Poor overall sleep quality can make pre-existing conditions such as dementia worse. Considering that the majority of dementia cases occur in individuals over the age of 65, ensuring adequate sleep and rest becomes paramount for both brain health and cognitive function.
Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep quantity can elevate the risk of developing health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, sleep deprivation may trigger unhealthy food cravings and weight gain, further compounding the risk of adverse health outcomes.
A lack of sleep doesn’t just impact physical health; it also takes a toll on mental wellbeing. Consistently failing to get a good night’s rest can lead to low moods, poor mental health, and strained relationships with loved ones, creating a vicious cycle of insomnia that further exacerbates these issues.
Look out for the signs of sleep problems
Look out for signs that your elderly relative is experiencing difficulty sleeping. Some of the most common signs include:
- Feeling sleepy in the evening but being unable to actually fall asleep
- Feeling tired during the day even though they slept all night
- Finding it difficult to get back to sleep once they have woken up in the night
- Having difficulty staying awake during the day
- Experiencing problems with concentration during the day
If you notice any signs that concern you, talk to your relative. Ask them to tell you if they are experiencing any difficulties; this is the first step to getting treatment.
When should I be concerned about excessive sleep in an elderly person?
Sudden extreme tiredness in the elderly can sometimes indicate underlying health issues or changes in their wellbeing. While occasional extra sleep may be normal, consistent or prolonged periods of excessive sleep may warrant attention. For example, an elderly person falling asleep while sitting may be cause for concern if it is new or sudden behaviour.
Here are some situations when you should consider seeking medical advice or support for an elderly person who appears to be sleeping excessively:
- Sudden changes: Rapid changes in sleep patterns may indicate underlying health issues or medication side effects.
- Fatigue despite extra sleep: If an elderly person continues to feel tired, fatigued, or unrefreshed despite sleeping excessively, it may signal an underlying medical condition such as sleep apnoea, depression, or anaemia.
- Increased risk of falls: Excessive sleepiness during the day can increase the risk of falls and accidents, especially for elderly individuals who may already be at higher risk due to mobility issues or cognitive impairments. If excessive sleepiness puts them at risk of harm, it’s essential to explore potential underlying causes.
- Cognitive changes: If you notice changes in memory, attention, or cognitive function alongside excessive sleep, be sure to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.
- Impact on daily functioning: Excessive sleepiness that interferes with daily activities, social engagement, or overall quality of life should not be ignored.
Do people with dementia sleep a lot?
People with dementia often experience changes in their sleep patterns, which can include sleeping more than usual. This can be attributed to various factors related to the condition:
- Disrupted circadian rhythm: Dementia can disrupt the body’s internal clock, leading to irregular sleep-wake cycles. This disruption may cause people with dementia to sleep more during the day and experience increased nighttime wakefulness.
- Changes in brain function: Dementia affects areas of the brain responsible for regulating sleep. These changes can result in a variety of sleep disturbances, from restfulness to fatigue and poor sleep.
- Medication side effects: Some medications commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of dementia, such as agitation or anxiety, may have sedative effects.
- Physical and cognitive fatigue: People with dementia may experience physical and cognitive fatigue due to the demands of the condition, leading to an increased need for rest and sleep.
- Behavioural and psychological symptoms: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, such as depression, anxiety, or agitation, can impact sleep patterns and contribute to excessive sleepiness during the day.
How can I help a loved one sleep better
As long as there is no specific sleep disorder, there are often many simple changes that a person can make to their daily routine to get a better night’s sleep. You could help your elderly relative to incorporate these into their lifestyle. Some of these include:
- Stick to a regular bedtime and waking time. This helps to get into a routine, which can improve the quality of sleep.
- Have pre-sleep rituals such as taking a bath or reading a book to prepare for sleep each night.
- Exercise during the day. We’ve written on exercise for the elderly before, which is one of the best ways to get a better night’s sleep. Physical exercise tires you out more, but exercise is best carried out earlier in the day rather than during the few hours preceding sleep.
- Avoid substances that affect sleep. This may involve cutting down on caffeine, smoking and alcohol.
- Remember that an excellent natural sleep aid for the elderly is chamomile tea. Try adding milk or honey and check the temperature before serving.
- Try to avoid longer daytime naps. Many people enjoy their long naps, but if their night time sleep is affected, it may be better to cut the nap to about 30 minutes or less.
- Get out and about. Going for a walk, doing some gardening and getting lots of daylight can help to improve sleep.
- The sleep environment itself may be a problem. Make sure the bedroom is a comfortable temperature and not too warm, and ensure it is dark and peaceful. A good quality mattress should also be used to provide enough support.
- Mental stimulation during the day can help with sleep. This could include a hobby, doing a crossword, jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, reading or anything else they enjoy doing.
Get professional advice if you’re concerned
If you are worried about your elderly relative, go and see your doctor. If they are constantly tired or complaining about sleeping badly, it could increase their risk of falling, or it could indicate an underlying problem. The doctor may recommend simple changes like cutting down on caffeine, but they may also want to check for other problems. Whatever the issue, try to make sure they get help because it could be affecting their quality of life.
Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you make the right choice for you and your family.
