There’s a common misconception that your need for sleep declines as you get older. While changes in your sleep patterns are a normal aspect of the aging process, your actual sleep needs will remain constant throughout your adult life. Unfortunately, many seniors find it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep as they age. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to ensure you get the vital sleep you need no matter what age you are.
Sleep Changes as You Age
Many older adults find that they become less satisfied with their sleep as they age, which also makes them more tired during the day. Your sleep patterns, also called sleep architecture, change as you get older, contributing to difficulties sleeping. There are multiple stages of sleep — periods of light and deep sleep and REM, which is occasional periods of active dreaming. This cycle is repeated several times throughout the night.
As you get older, even if the amount of time you sleep remains the same, you’ll have more stages of lighter sleep and less deep sleep. Studies on senior sleep habits also show:
- An overall decline in REM sleep
- Increased sleep latency, or the time it takes to fall asleep
- More sleep fragmentation, or waking up during the night
Other Factors Affecting Sleep as You Age
The prevalence of sleep disorder tends to increase with age. For some, this issue has to do with biological changes that naturally occur as we get older. However, others experience sleep disturbance due to physical or psychiatric illnesses as well as the medications used to treat these conditions.
Some of the most common factors affecting the sleep of older adults include:
- Advanced sleep phase syndrome: Many older adults go to bed early in the evening and wake up early in the morning — the natural sleep rhythm has shifted forward. This change to your circadian rhythm, which coordinates the timing of your bodily functions, is called advanced sleep phase syndrome.
- Insomnia: As you age, you may find yourself experiencing symptoms of insomnia a few nights per week or more. Whether it’s chronic or acute, insomnia among seniors is often related to an underlying cause, such as a psychiatric or medical condition.
- Snoring: One of the leading causes of sleep disruption among millions of Americans is snoring. Snoring is more prevalent among those who are overweight, and it often worsens with age.
- Sleep apnea: Snoring is sometimes a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where individuals stop breathing for as long as 10 to 60 seconds. When this situation occurs, your brain is alerted, which causes you to startle awake once your breathing resumes. Sleep apnea should never go untreated, as it can increase your risk of other severe medical conditions.
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS): This neurological movement disorder is marked by an irresistible urge to move your limbs — particularly an unpleasant tingling or creeping sensation in your legs. This issue may grow worse in the evenings, making it more difficult to sleep through the night.
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Shari Macey
3/18/2021
I was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a... read moreI was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a lot of turnover, until we found active home care. They came to our home before starting services and met my mother in law, after that they allowed us to interview different caregivers until we felt comfortable. We are very happy with the caregiver and the service provided by the company. read less
Lisbeth Fernandez Watson
8/30/2019
Compassionate, loving and caring. More of a second home to elderly , 24/7 care and attention. Doesn’t have to worry about older parent being alone at home.
Aj Pisces
12/22/2021
My mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this... read moreMy mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this very difficult situation easier. Active Senior Care has great communication and is always there for questions or concerns. They have made what is a hard decision & process, comfortable in a way words cannot accurately express. read less
Evan C
3/09/2021
Everyone involved is exceptionally professional. All of the home health aides did a wonderful job with my mother. We had a crew of (4) caring for my mom. I would highly recommend this company!!!!
Wayne Higgins
12/17/2020
The most professional, helpful and amazing caregivers in South Florida!! Thank you for your service, definitely recommend for your loved ones.
Aimee Garden-Fernandez
12/08/2016
Amazing service. The office is always attentive to our needs and they treat us like family, we are very happy!
Leonardo Rostoker
3/26/2019
I hired Active Home Care to be with my mom a couple of hours every day and provide personal care assistance and medication reminders while I'm at work. I'm very happy with their services, the office team is compassionate and the staff is highly professional.
Bianca Benatar
9/24/2019
Best home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery... read moreBest home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery shopping. My quality of life has definitely improved since I hired them. read less
Mina Rozenberg
11/12/2019
Selecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will... read moreSelecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will be forever grateful. read less
Lloyd Masukawa
6/15/2021
Was referred to Active Senior Care by the hospital my mom was staying at so I found them to be trust worthy. Luckily, they were able to find someone who was exactly the kind of person I was looking for to look after her. Great service and would recommend.
Ari
11/04/2020
I hired Active Home Care to provide home care services to my uncle that lives in Miami FL, they have been wonderful and very helpful. The office staff is well trained and helped us navigate our options successfully. 100% recommended!
Jacobo Taurel
11/05/2019
Active Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience... read moreActive Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience working with other agencies. There was no comparison with the outstanding care and concerned that was given by Active Senior Care! I recommend them without hesitation! read less
Thomas Cram
1/22/2021
Active Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family... read moreActive Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family member in need. read less
Simona Kogan
12/07/2016
When I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of... read moreWhen I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of caregivers for interviews and I decided on the one I liked the most. I'm using their services 6 hours every day and I'm very happy and relieved now. read less
Camila Roizental
11/12/2019
Everything about the process was professional including follow-up. Every detail was handled and the whole process of having help after an accident was effortless with Active Senior Care.
Bari Schanerman
3/04/2021
I was looking for in home care services for my mom in the Miami area and found Active Home Care. We started services a couple of months ago and are very satisfied with the staff and caregivers.
Max Rimeris
11/12/2019
My mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays... read moreMy mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays with her until 3:00 pm. My mom loves Anita, she keeps my mom safe and takes her out to socialize on a daily basis. read less
Meyer Waich
7/02/2019
Tips for Sleeping Better as Older Adults
If these or other factors are causing you to get less sleep, a few strategies can help you get more shut-eye:
- Avoid taking an afternoon nap.
- Take time to calm yourself before bedtime. Turn off electronics, take a warm bath or read a book.
- Cut back your caffeine and alcohol intake, especially close to bedtime.
- Drink fewer fluids in the evening to avoid those late-night trips to the bathroom.
- Get some exercise and sun during the day so that your body can better differentiate awake time from sleep time.
Help Is Here If You Need It
Sleep patterns are not the only changes that occur as we get older. Some seniors need assistance with a number of daily activities ranging from housework to bathing. A professional caregiver, like those we refer at Active Senior Care, could provide the support and assistance you need to feel more secure.
If you’d like to be connected with someone who has the experience and training needed to provide quality services, contact us online today or call 786-360-3449 to speak with a friendly member of our team.
Related Resources:
Tips for Seniors to Stay Cool in the Summer Heat
Staying Active as You Age
Nutrition Tips for Seniors