Learn about four sleep issues that are affected by age.
Multiple factors can affect your sleep schedule and quality of sleep as your age, including changes in health, daily routines, and brain function. With all of these changes, there are a few sleep issues that are very common in elderly adults above age 65. Continue reading to learn about three sleep issues that are affected by age.
Insomnia
According to the National Institute on Aging, insomnia is the most common sleep problem affecting those age 60 and up. Insomnia is common in elderly adults because of health issues and medication that are associated with aging, as well as the anxiety of getting older. Symptoms of insomnia include taking hours to fall asleep, waking up multiple times throughout the night, waking up feeling exhausted, or feeling very tired during the day.
Sleep Apnea
Men, older adults, and overweight adults are at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea– a condition where breathing is obstructed during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea, including obstructive- which is caused by muscles in the throat relaxing and making it difficult for air to pass through, central- which happens when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to muscles in the body to control breathing, and complex- which is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a condition that is significantly more common in elderly adults. The National Sleep Foundation says that around one in 10 American adults suffer from RLS, and up to 35% of people over age 65 have it. Symptoms of RLS vary, and may include a strong desire to move your legs when lying down, involuntary leg movements while you are sleeping or awake, and feeling very tired during the day with a lack of focus.
Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia can mean excessive sleepiness in the daytime, or an excessive amount of time spent sleeping. For adults over age 65, it is recommended to sleep no more than 9 hours a day. A few medical conditions can cause hypersomnia in adults, including depression, diabetes, thyroid problems, and heart disease.
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