As we age, getting a restful night’s sleep often becomes increasingly challenging. While it’s commonly believed that older adults need less sleep, the reality is that they require just as much quality rest as younger people, typically seven to eight hours per night. Understanding this, it’s important for seniors to understand what factors might keep them from getting a good night’s sleep, along with strategies for overcoming these issues, which is where senior home care comes in.
The Physical Changes That Disrupt Sleep
The body undergoes significant changes with age, many of which directly impact sleep quality. For instance, the production of melatonin, the body’s natural sleep hormone, decreases with age, making it harder to fall asleep and maintain deep sleep cycles.
Additionally, seniors often experience a shift in their circadian rhythms, causing them to feel worn out earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning—a pattern that can feel disruptive to their desired sleep schedule.
Age-related changes in the sleep pattern also play a role. Older adults spend less time in the deeper stages of sleep, making them more susceptible to being awakened by minor disturbances. This lighter sleep means they may feel less rested even after spending adequate time in bed.
Health Conditions and Medications
Chronic health conditions, which become more common with age, frequently interfere with sleep. Arthritis pain can make finding a comfortable sleeping position challenging, while conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and frequent urination needs can cause multiple nighttime awakenings. Heart conditions may cause discomfort when lying flat, and respiratory issues can make breathing difficult during sleep.
Many medications commonly prescribed to seniors also impact sleep patterns. Some blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and corticosteroids can cause insomnia or alter sleep quality. Even medications intended to help with sleep can sometimes create dependency or cause grogginess that affects daytime alertness and nighttime sleep cycles.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Changes in daily routines can also significantly impact sleep. Retirement may eliminate the structure of regular work schedules, leading to irregular sleep-wake patterns. Reduced physical activity, common among older adults, can decrease the body’s natural drive for sleep.
Social isolation and loneliness, unfortunately prevalent among seniors, can contribute to depression and anxiety, both major sleep disruptors. The loss of spouses or close friends can create emotional distress that manifests as sleep difficulties.
Environmental factors in the home may also become problematic. Temperature regulation becomes more challenging with age, and many seniors find themselves too hot or too cold during the night. Bedroom lighting, noise levels, and even the comfort of aging mattresses can all contribute to sleep disruption.
Strategies for Better Sleep
Senior home care providers can help seniors understand these challenges, which is the first step toward addressing them. Then, they can work together—along with the medical team when necessary—to learn what changes need to occur to improve their sleep. This may include medication, establishing consistent bedtime routines, creating comfortable sleep environments, and maintaining regular physical activity during the day
Additionally, sleep hygiene practices—such as limiting screen time before bed, avoiding large meals and caffeine in the evening, and keeping the bedroom cool and dark—remain important regardless of age.
Quality sleep for seniors is essential for maintaining physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. With the support of senior home care, they can learn to recognize what might be keeping them up at night and how to address the issues to get a better night’s sleep.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care in Surprise, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care today. Call (623) 594-0819
Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care is a top provider of home care services in Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Sun City West, Tolleson, Phoenix, Youngtown, Surprise, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-sleep-affects-your-health/
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/aging-and-sleep
- https://blogs.bcm.edu/2023/03/14/how-does-aging-affect-sleep/
- https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-aging-affects-sleep
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
- What Factors Stop Seniors From Getting a Good Night’s Sleep - June 9, 2025
- What Does a Personal Hygiene Plan Look Like for Aging Adults? - May 19, 2025
- Managing Routines to Manage Health - May 8, 2025
