How does age affect sleep patterns?

As individuals age, their sleep patterns tend to change significantly. One of the most prominent effects of aging on sleep is a tendency toward lighter sleep stages and an increase in the frequency of awakenings throughout the night. This means that older adults often experience a reduction in the duration of deep sleep, which is the restorative phase of the sleep cycle crucial for physical health and cognitive function. Consequently, they may find themselves waking up more often, even if they initially fall asleep easily. This change can impact overall sleep quality, leading to feelings of unrest and fatigue during waking hours.

While some individuals may perceive that they require less sleep as they age, research shows that the need for sleep generally remains constant throughout life. Additionally, older adults may experience more fragmented sleep rather than improved quality or increased deep sleep. These trends highlight the common sleep disturbances faced by many as they navigate through later stages of life.