Why it's harder to sleep as we age

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

As we grow older, there are many aspects of our sleep patterns that can change. From sleep duration to our ability to drop off, most people experience some sort of changes to their sleep as they grow older. But although shifting sleep patterns are completely normal as we age, it's important to recognize when they could be a sign that something more serious is going on.

Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.

Changing sleep

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

One key change that many aging people experience is increased difficulty with sleep.

Largely normal

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

For the most part, these changes to sleep patterns are completely normal. However, it is important to recognize when they could be a sign of something more serious.

When compared with others

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

On average, older people spend fewer hours per night sleeping than their younger family members and friends.

Fragmented sleep

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

The next common change is that sleep becomes more fragmented. This means more waking up in the middle of the night.

Wired that way

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

Indeed, babies and small children are biologically wired to wake up multiple times during the night, and they need several naps during the day.

Reduction in REM sleep

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

It is also common to experience a slight reduction in REM sleep, which equates to less time spent dreaming.

General trend

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

In general, however, older people tend to become sleepier earlier in the evening and then wake up earlier in the morning.

Lifestyle changes

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

Sometimes they are also the result of lifestyle changes. For example, retired people may become less active, a shift in lifestyle that directly affects their ability to sleep at night.

Underlying medical condition

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

Indeed, there are many health conditions that affect middle-aged people, such as diabetes and menopause. These can sometimes affect the ability to sleep properly.

When to see a doctor

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

If you are experiencing any troubling sleep symptoms, it is a good idea to check with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Keep active during the day

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

Firstly, it is important to stay as active as possible during the day, even if you are working less. Being active during the day sets us up for a good night’s sleep.

Exercise daily

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

It is also important to get daily exercise. However, it is best to avoid working out in the evening, since this can mean your brain is stimulated to stay awake longer.

Avoid screens before bed

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

Avoid looking at a screen for at least an hour before you go to bed, and if you wake up in the middle of the night, try to avoid looking at a phone or clock.

Don't force it

Changing sleep, Largely normal, When compared with others, Fragmented sleep, Wired that way, Reduction in REM sleep, General trend, Lifestyle changes, Underlying medical condition, When to see a doctor, Keep active during the day, Exercise daily, Avoid screens before bed, Don't force it

You might try reading a book for a while, before heading back to bed once you feel sleepy again. Most of the time, trying to force yourself to sleep won’t be effective.

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