How Does Sleep Change with Age?

Although you spend about a third of your life asleep, the quality of that sleep can change as you age. You might wake up more frequently during the night, stay awake longer, or feel drowsy during the day. What explains these changes?

Normal Factors

Certain health issues may affect sleep quality as you age. Joint pain, breathing difficulties, and stress can disrupt the different phases of sleep or make it harder to fall back asleep after waking. Additionally, it’s normal for sleep requirements to decrease with age, meaning you may stay awake longer or wake up earlier in the morning.

A Neurological Cause

In the 1990s, neuroscientists discovered neurotransmitters called hypocretins in the human brain. Hypocretins help keep you alert while you’re awake and are inhibited during sleep, allowing deep and REM sleep to occur. As you get older, these hypocretins naturally deteriorate, leading to increased daytime sleepiness and more frequent sleep disruptions at night.

Embracing the Changes

Lighter sleep is a normal part of aging, much like greying hair or wrinkles. If you find yourself needing an afternoon nap, listen to your body — it’s perfectly normal and can help compensate for changes in your sleep patterns.