Although problems associated with sleep can occur at any stage, they become more complicated when they reach advanced age, when the quality of life is felt more. Changes in sleep are common among older adults, with changes in circadian rhythm, shorter sleep cycles, and increased light sleep.

The difference between natural aging and cognitive deterioration is key to understanding these phenomena, neurologist Luigi Ferini Strambi, head of the IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Sleep Medicine Center in Italy, told Clarín.

"As we age, we tend to go to bed and get up earlier. This is because the minimum peak in body temperature occurs earlier and modifies sleep and wake schedules," explains the expert.

This happens because, with age, the biological clock advances its phases, and this decrease in core body temperature translates into signs of drowsiness earlier. It is produced by the increase in light sleep, more sensitive to external stimuli, and the frequency of awakenings increases, reports Clarín.

“Fragmented sleep is not good for the body and affects sleep phases,” he says.

Importance of deep sleep

To understand it better, it is essential to know about the phases of sleep. The deep sleep stage is essential for cognitive and physical health. It allows the brain to be cleaned of harmful proteins and improves memory consolidation. However, a decrease in this stage is observed in older adults.

Sleep disturbance can manifest itself in different ways. Signs such as daytime tiredness, difficulty waking up, and changes in sleep schedule could be indicative of underlying health problems. Medical consultation becomes necessary in the face of debilitating fatigue that affects daily activities.

Recommendations to improve sleep hygiene

Experts suggest simple practices to optimize sleep quality, such as avoiding long naps, establishing a healthy sleep routine, and creating an environment conducive to sleep.

These changes can help mitigate problems associated with sleep disturbance in old age.

Symptoms of sleep problems in older people

In older adults, in addition to poor or little sleep, daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking up very early, and changes in breathing during the night, such as snoring, gasping, or breathing pauses, may appear.

Other warning signs

Fidgeting movements during the night, an uncomfortable need to move your legs, unusual sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking or sleep eating, and waking up without feeling rested may also indicate a sleep problem.

When to pay more attention

A sleep disorder should be suspected if these symptoms are accompanied by fatigue during the day, difficulty concentrating, or falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving or during daily activities.

When to seek help

If symptoms are frequent, worsen, or affect safety and daily life, it is advisable to consult a health professional, because in older people they can coexist with other medical problems.

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