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Coping With Changing Sleep Patterns as You Get Older

Table of Contents


Overview

Sleep patterns naturally change as you get older. Older adults often have ongoing sleep problems. Compared to younger people, older adults:

It's common for older adults to sleep less deeply and for less time than they did earlier in life. But these normal changes in the sleep patterns of older adults don't mean that the sleep they get is enough.

Routine poor-quality sleep caused by health problems, medicine use, and stress from major life changes can lead to chronic sleep problems. This may increase the risk of serious health problems, such as depression. But few older adults get, or try to get, treatment for sleep problems. If you are an older adult and have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about what you can do to improve your sleep.

Tips for better sleep

Here are some tips that may help you sleep more soundly.


Credits for Coping With Changing Sleep Patterns as You Get Older

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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