Can’t Sleep Properly? Your Health May Be at Risk!

Tossing and turning all night? You’re not alone—especially if you’re in your golden years. Getting a full night’s sleep can feel like chasing a dream as we age. From changes in the body’s internal clock to chronic health conditions, elderly individuals face unique challenges that rob them of the restorative rest they need. Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as all adults—7 to 9 hours each night to maintain their overall health and well-being.

According to Deborah Freeland, M.D., an assistant professor of internal medicine and a member of UTSW’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, sleep deprivation has long-term health consequences that include high blood pressure, weight gain, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, memory issues, and even an increased risk of death, in addition to a lower quality of life.

In this article, we’ll explore why sleep becomes elusive as we age, the health risks associated with poor sleep, and practical ways to reclaim those precious hours of rest.

Why Does Sleep Get Harder With Age?

As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can interfere with our sleep patterns. The natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm, shifts, making it harder to stay asleep through the night. Seniors also tend to spend less time in the deep sleep stages, which means they wake up more easily. The production of hormones like cortisol and melatonin, which are essential for restful sleep, also declines.

On top of that, health problems like chronic pain, arthritis, or heart issues can make lying in bed uncomfortable. Conditions like insomnia, sleep apnoea, or restless legs syndrome add more hurdles to getting a restful night. Even medications for common health issues, like high blood pressure or depression, can interfere with sleep quality and duration.

Lifestyle factors also play a role—less physical activity during the day or long naps can throw off the body’s sleep schedule, making it harder to drift off at night and achieve deep sleep.

Health Risks of Poor Sleep in the Elderly

Your physical and mental well-being depends on sleep just as much now as it did in your youth. Your body can repair any cell damage that occurred during the day, increase focus and memory formation, and boost your immune system, all of which serve to prevent disease. Elderly people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Additionally, it may affect mood, cognitive function, and everyday task performance.

A study in China looked at 496 older adults and found that poor sleep was linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Participants with poor sleep showed more anxiety and depression, and brain scans revealed changes in certain areas of the brain, suggesting that sleep deprivation might affect mental health and emotional well-being.

Health Issues and Their Connection to Poor Sleep

Health Issue	How Poor Sleep Contributes
Memory Problems	Increases forgetfulness, confusion, and risk of dementia.
Weakened Immunity	Makes it harder for the body to fight off infections.
Heart Issues	Raises the chances of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes.
Emotional Health	Worsens anxiety, depression, and overall mood instability.
Falls and Injuries	Fatigue increases the likelihood of falls and accidents.

Simple Ways to Sleep Better

Older adults should be cautious about using prescription sleep aids for long-term sleep issues. Many sleep aids contain diphenhydramine, which can cause harmful side effects such as confusion, memory issues, falls, constipation, and dry mouth. It is preferable to treat underlying medical conditions, medication side effects, or behavioural changes rather than depend solely on medication.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), done with the help of a psychologist, can be an effective way to treat insomnia without relying on medication.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, a good strategy is to relax your body gradually. Start by imagining your toes are completely relaxed, then move to your feet, ankles, and work your way up your body, section by section. You may even drift off to sleep before you get to the top of your head.

Another useful trick is to play mental games. Instead of counting sheep, try slowly counting to 100 or telling yourself that it’s almost time to get up. This helps distract your mind and makes you feel sleepier.

Tips for Better Sleep:

• Stick to a Consistent Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body clock.
• Avoid Napping: Skip naps, especially in the afternoon and evening, to improve nighttime sleep.
• Use Your Bed for Sleeping Only: Keep your bed for rest, not for watching TV or using electronic devices.
• Limit Food and Drinks Before Bed: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking close to bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity promotes better sleep, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.
• Relax Before Bed: Take a warm bath or enjoy calming activities like reading or listening to soothing music.
• Limit Bright Lights: Reduce exposure to bright lights from screens before bedtime to promote melatonin production.

If lifestyle adjustments don’t resolve your sleep issues, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Chronic sleep problems may indicate underlying medical conditions such as depression, chronic pain, or sleep apnoea. A physician or sleep specialist can assist in diagnosing any sleep issues and suggest suitable therapies.

Conclusion: Sleep Matters

Good sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being, especially as we age. It impacts everything from mood and memory to heart health and immune function. While it’s normal to face sleep challenges as we get older, finding the right solutions can make a big difference.

At mySeniorCareHub, we understand the importance of quality sleep for seniors. Our app provides valuable insights, sleep tracking features, and personalised recommendations to help elderly individuals improve their sleep patterns and overall well-being. We offer sleep reminders, encouragement for taking proper naps, and connections with healthcare professionals. Download mySeniorCareHub app today for better sleep and peace of mind.