Sleeping Problems | Sleeping Disorders

Guide to sleeping problems and sleeping disorders.

Sleep Problems for Seniors and Elders Causes

Several factors may contribute to the inability to sleep well as you get older. Some of the common causes include:

Poor sleep habits – Irregular sleep-wake patterns can affect your circadian rhythm timing and make it difficult to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Other sleep hygiene issues, such as consumption of alcohol before bedtime, increased wakeful time in bed or daytime napping, can also negatively affect your ability to sleep.
Medical illness – Certain medical conditions can also affect your quality of sleep. Specific conditions known to affect sleep include (but are not limited to): arthritis, osteoporosis, heartburn, menopause and Alzheimer's. Symptoms may make it hard to sleep or cause you to awaken frequently, ultimately shortening the duration of sleep.
Medications – Similarly, certain medications may impair your ability to sleep well and even prove to stimulate wakefulness at night.
Sedentary tendencies – Sedentary tendencies, common in the elderly, increase chances of experiencing insomnia. Walking or any other form of exercise during the day can help provide relief.
Psychological distress or disorders – Psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, or significant life changes like the death of a loved one, moving from a family home, or physical limitations due to illness, can cause stress and keep you from a good night's sleep.
Sleep disorders – Sleep disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), sleep apnea, and REM behavior disorder occur more frequently in older adults.

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