Do old people sleep less?

Caregivers are often concerned that their loved ones don't get enough sleep. If you have noticed a change in sleeping patterns of an older person, do not panic. As we get older, we tend to sleep less. We may get up during the night more frequently due to aches or because we need to use the washroom.

Some older persons find that instead of getting 8 or 10 hours of sleep each night, they are only getting 4 or 6 hours of sleep. This is a common change and is nothing to be alarmed about. Do not turn to sleeping tablets right away. They can be addictive, and many more people (in T&T for example) end up taking sleeping pills for several decades, which is not healthy.  

"As we get older, we tend to sleep less."

Sleeping tablets should be your last resort, after consulting with a trusted doctor. Some more creative, healthier ideas to improve sleep quality for older persons are suggested below, as adapted from Philip T. Hagen, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic, USA:

• Review your medications and supplements with your doctor or pharmacist and ask about any side effects that could be affecting your sleep quality.
• Stop drinking fluids (including alcohol) within two-four hours of bedtime to minimize late-night trips to the bathroom.
• If pain keeps you awake at night, talk to your doctor to see if taking an over-the-counter pain medication before bed can help, or ask about  any exercises or stretches that may help. While this may not stop you from waking up, you may have an easier time falling back to sleep.
• Keep your sleep environment as dark as possible. This includes limiting lights from the television, computer screen and mobile devices. Light disrupts your body's natural sleep rhythm.
• Limit caffeine intake, particularly in the eight hours before bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol near bedtime — alcohol may help you fall asleep, but once it wears off, it makes you more likely to wake up in the night.
• If you experience poor quality sleep despite taking these steps, or you are tired or sleepy on most days, talk to your doctor.