This quote, from Harold Rubin, Rehabilitation Counselor, and himself a senior citizen, is very true for many of the elderly. Many problems hinder getting the rest they need. They may have difficulty falling asleep, they may experience frequent nighttime awakenings, or may awaken very early in the morning, unable to return to sleep.
This all adds up to less total sleep time, and far less time spent in deep, restful sleep. Day and night are sometimes reversed. There can be changes in the structure of sleep that alters the sleep-wake (Circadian Rhythm) cycle. Of course, less nighttime sleep usually leads to excessive daytime sleepiness.
Another cause of sleeplessness in the elderly is a tendency to develop sleep disorders, or for those disorders to worsen with age. Insomnia, of course, means the inability to sleep or the inability to get back to sleep after a nighttime awakening. Insomnia, however, is often a symptom rather than a disorder in itself. Other sleep disorders are restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement and sleep apnea.
But the causes are many and varied. Add to the changes in Circadian rhythm and sleep disorders acute and chronic medical illnesses, psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia and general senility and confusion. The National Sleep Foundation supplies an extensive list of medical problems that may disturb sleep.
Social changes and a loss of social support have disrupted their lives. They may have lost the mate of a lifetime, moved from their homes into senior lodges or rest homes. In some cases, these people are neglected by family and former friends.
Medications taken for other maladies may also cause sleeplessness. Cardiac and asthma medications are two suspects. With the loss of social and family contact, boredom can set in. To alleviate boredom, excessive use of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can become the norm. These three drugs are all known sleep deterrents.
