Sleep Disturbances in Older Adults

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Sleep disturbances in Older Adults Over a typical lifespan, the amount of time we spend each day sleeping declines. Adults through middle age need at least eight hours, and although the elderly may still require up to eight hours, they may struggle to obtain those hours in one block. Because older adults are less able to maintain sleep, the elderly suffer disproportionately from chronic sleep deprivation. (Healthy sleep.med). Sleep normally occurs in several stages: dreamless periods of light and deep sleep and some periods of active dreaming (REM). This cycle is repeated during the night. AS aging happens most people find it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Total sleep time may remain or is slightly decreased (6.5 to 7 hours per night). The transition between sleep and wake may be abrupt, giving older people a feeling of being more of a “light sleeper” than they were previously (nih.gov). Less time is spent in deep sleep and older people may find themselves getting up four times a night each night and are more aware of it. These awakenings can be related to nocturia, anxiety and discomfort or pain associated with chronic illnesses (nih.gov). Younger/ middle age adults have more concentrated periods of sleep compared to older people. Stage 1, is the nodding off stage in middle age adults they can easily be awakened, in older adults more time is spent in this stage, likely due to frequent awakening, increased number of arousals and shifts into non rapid eye movement sleep, if left undisturbed will reach the next stage in a few minutes, a deeper stage of relaxation is reached. Older adults may spend a longer time in this stage. Stage 2, some eye movement noted through closed lid and can be easily awakened. In older adults there is no significant change though more time may be spent in this phase, stage 3, early phase of deep sleep, a reduction in

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