![]() ![]() ![]() Older adults who have poor nighttime sleep are more likely to have a depressed mood, attention and memory problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, more nighttime falls, and use more over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids. Not sleeping well can lead to a number of problems. Researchers have noted that people without major medical or psychiatric illnesses report better sleep. Older adults may also have other medical and psychiatric problems that can affect their nighttime sleep. They may also be more sensitive to - and may awaken because of - changes in their environment, such as noise. Older adults may produce and secrete less melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. There are many possible explanations for these changes. Many older adults tend to get sleepier earlier in the evening and awaken earlier in the morning. Nighttime sleep schedules may change with age too. A study of adults over 65 found that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep.Īlso, older people often sleep less deeply and wake up more often throughout the night, which may be why they may nap more often during the daytime. One reason is that they often have more trouble falling asleep. Unfortunately, many older adults often get less sleep than they need. Interestingly, older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults - seven or more hours of sleep per night. Children and adolescents need more sleep than adults. Sleep needs change over a person’s lifetime. ![]() Resources for Health Care Professionals. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |