Common Sleep Disorders in the Elderly: Signs, Causes, and Effective Solutions
Sleep disorders are common among the elderly and often lead to disrupted sleeping patterns, which can cause issues like falling out of bed, early awakenings, and unusual sleep behaviors. Have you ever seen a bed guard rail for adults and wondered why it’s used? These rails are often necessary due to sleep disorders that affect older adults. Why Do Sleep Disorders Occur in the Elderly? Sleep disorders in the elderly are much more common than in younger adults. While most adults get 7-8 hours of sleep, older individuals often experience lighter, more fragmented sleep. For example, even healthy seniors may wake up multiple times during the night without any underlying medical issues. Here are some common causes of sleep disturbances in older adults: Alcohol consumption Neurological conditions Sedentary lifestyle Alzheimer’s disease Lack of social interaction and exercise Poor sleep environment Depression, stress, or anxiety Chronic pain or medical conditions Changes in the sleep-wake cycl