How much sleep do older adults require? Discuss insomnia in late adulthood

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Older adults require about as much total sleep as younger adults: around 7 hours per night. Yet as people age, they have more difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and sleeping deeply. Insomnia affects nearly half of older adults at least a few nights per month. The timing of sleep tends to change as well, toward earlier bedtime and earlier morning wakening. Changes in brain structures controlling sleep and higher levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream, which have an alerting effect on the central nervous system, are believed to be responsible. Insomnia in older adults is of special concern because it increases the risk of falls and cognitive impairments. Those who are poor sleepers more often report slower reaction times and attention and memory difficulties. Fortunately, there are ways to foster restful sleep, such as establishing a consistent bedtime and waking time, exercising regularly, and using the bedroom only for sleep (not for eating, reading, or watching TV). Older adults receive more prescription sedatives for sleep complaints than do people under age 60. Used briefly, these drugs can help relieve temporary insomnia. But long-term medication can make matters worse by inducing rebound insomnia after the drug is discontinued.